The Norfolk campus of Centura College will be teaming with the City of Norfolk’s Fire-Rescue Department to provide preparatory training as recruits begin their Academy program. The program will provide fundamental math, writing, medical terminology, and other key skills to prep new recruits for their Academy training.

By Brian Stauss

The Norfolk Fire-Rescue Department is teaming with Centura College to include essential academic preparatory training in the beginning of the Fire-Rescue Academy program, as an effort to increase the confidence and success rate of recruits within the program.

Fire-Rescue Chief Jeffrey Wise acknowledged that the average Fire-Rescue recruit has usually not been in an academic classroom for several years. Recruits can struggle with recalling basic math, writing skills, and the academic preparedness needed to complete the rigors of the Academy and this has led to some recruits being unsuccessful with the academic portions of the program.  This customized academic preparation program, positioned within the first few weeks of the Academy, is developed to provide fundamental math, writing, communication, medical terminology, and study skills training, to better-equip new recruits for the rigors of the Fire-Rescue Academy.

“We are thrilled to offer these aspiring first responders fundamental academic coaching, both in formal classroom instruction at the beginning of their training program, and through individualized tutoring throughout the Academy,” said Dr. Joel English, Vice President of Operations for Centura College.  “These are the women and men who will keep our community safe for decades to come, and increasing their likelihood to succeed academically is an honor and privilege for our faculty.”

Between Jan. 16-22, 2018, two dozen Norfolk Fire-Rescue recruits will report for classes at Centura College’s Norfolk campus at 7020 North Military Highway for training.  The coursework has been custom-designed between the academic leadership at Centura College and the Norfolk Fire-Rescue team to efficiently prepare recruits with the knowledge for they need to succeed.

The program will begin with individualized academic assessments of each recruit, and will consist of four courses per day, taught by Centura College faculty.  The program includes further assessment of each recruits’ progress through the Academy program, and Centura College will offer additional tutoring for students as needed throughout the Academy curriculum.

“We are pleased to offer this pilot program at no charge to Norfolk Fire-Rescue, to the city, or to the students,” said Dr. English.  “We hope to eliminate academic challenges as a barrier to these public servants completing their Academy program, so that they can go on to protect our homes and businesses in Norfolk.”

For more information regarding Centura College’s partnership with the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Department, contact the campus at (757) 853-2121.

About Centura College

Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.

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