Nationally renowned program ignites passion in a new generation of firefighters
The application period is now open for the latest cohort of Wake County’s renowned Career in a Year Fire Academy. Since the program began in 2021, it has been locally and nationally applauded for its innovative and equitable recruiting efforts and the academic achievements of its graduates.
Selected applicants will receive a salary and benefits over the course of the 38-week training program. Graduates will earn EMT and Firefighter certifications and will officially begin work with a local fire department upon completion. The 2025 application period will run through Aug. 29.
“Our Career in a Year Fire Academy is an extraordinary program that empowers dedicated people who are brave enough to step up and serve their communities,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “We are incredibly proud to take part in this powerful partnership that helps talented recruits pursue a life-changing career they may not have otherwise considered.”
Since its approval by the Wake County Board of Commissioners, this American Rescue Plan Act-funded project has significantly enhanced recruitment efforts across the County’s fire service and sparked renewed interest in the career of firefighting. This remarkable progress is the result of strategic grassroots outreach, which has expanded awareness and increased the applicant pool for the Fire Academy more than tenfold.
If you would like to find out more about the opportunity to get paid to train for this exciting career, attend one of our upcoming information sessions:
- Thursday, Aug. 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Northern Regional Center
350 E. Holding Ave., Wake Forest - Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Western Health & Human Services Center
111 James Jackson Ave. #219, Cary - Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m.
Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina - Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10:30 a.m.
Departure Regional Center
5809 Departure Drive, Raleigh - Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood Drive, Zebulon
Career in a Year is offered in partnership with Wake Technical Community College. Learn more at wake.gov/FireCareer.