The IAEP Launches New Multilingual Mentorship Program
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The IAEP is excited to announce a brand new apprenticeship and recruitment project from the National Office. In partnership with a local college or university, we are providing supportive opportunities for immigrants to enter into the field of EMS with the direct mentorship of union providers in their area.
What Does That Mean?
Students from an English as a Second Language (ESL) Program who have reached level 5 proficiency are being recruited to enter the college’s EMT program to start careers in EMS. They are provided with “pre-lecture” classes to review the material, as well as additional direct support of an ESL tutor throughout their entire EMT course experience so that the material is more manageable and they are set up for success in the field.
In the second half of the semester, they are paired with a bilingual (of the same native language) IAEP member to serve as a mentor who will support them during their ride-time, test prep, job application and initial year(s) in the field.
Our intention is to bring in even more talent to our ranks, while supporting our communities and diverse patient populations in the process.
The First Pilot Program is Already Underway!
Our pilot program is currently happening at Local 20 Empress EMS, with the first cohort of students nearly halfway through their EMT program at SUNY Dutchess Community College. There are 5 students enrolled, four of whom speak Spanish as their native language and one who speaks Arabic. So far, they are thriving in the program and excited to begin their work as EMTs.
We are now accepting Applications for Mentors!
Are you a multilingual EMT? Do you want to support other multilingual EMTs joining the field? Are you planning to stay in the field as an IAEP member for at least one more year? We need your help! Each of these bright students needs a mentor, and we are now accepting member applications to be a part of this exciting new program!
Note: If you speak another language other than Spanish or Arabic and are interested in participating in future semesters, please also complete an application. While we may not be
able to pair you this semester, we can make sure that you will be considered if/when a future student needs your mentorship!
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