The Fire Academy Skill Bridge Program at Fayetteville Technical Community College helps veterans and active-duty military personnel in their last 180 days of active service become civilian firefighters. The 14-week academy provides candidates with the knowledge, skills, and ability to satisfy the requirements of:
• National Fire Protection Association 1001 Standard for Firefighter Professional Qualifications
• Emergency Medical requirements of NFPA 1001 Chapter 6
• NFPA 1072 Standard for Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Emergency Response Personnel Qualifications
Certifications earned in the academy are fully transferrable to all 50 states.
The Bureau of Labor reports that firefighters earn a median annual salary of $57,120, typically enjoy excellent benefits, and can expect strong growth in the next decade.
Successful graduates of the FTCC Fire Academy may become eligible for other training opportunities at FTCC including emergency medical training and courses at the Swift Water Training Facility, FTCC’s new, state-of-the-art, nationally recognized training center.
In addition to the firefighter academy, FTCC’s Transition Tech Program also provides short-term workforce training that can prepare you for employment in many other career fields including:
• Law Enforcement
• Building Construction
• Bio Work Process Technician
• Certified Logistics Technician
• Certified Production Technician
• Computer Security (CompTIA Security+)
• Electric Line Worker
• CDL Truck Driver
• Collision Repair & more!
Transition Tech programs at FTCC are open to servicemembers and veterans from every military occupational specialty and every rank. The programs are available at no
charge to the participants.
“Attending Caliber Collision Academy has been a highly valuable experience as I build a strong foundation in the collision repair industry. As part of the collision training program, I am learning under the expert guidance of instructors Jon, Everett, Mike, and Louis, who collectively bring over 80 years of experience to the program. Their wealth of knowledge and practical skills are crucial to my success. Caliber Academy covers key areas such as collision repair, glass installation, ProTech systems, and estimators training, ensuring that I not only acquire the technical skills required but also gain a deep understanding of industry standards, safety protocols, and customer service. Through the Military Skill Bridge program, I am able to access this invaluable training. With the expertise of my instructors and the hands-on training available in the program, I will be fully prepared to excel in this fast-paced and evolving field,” said Kip Johnson, Veteran and FTCC Bridge Program Student.
We invite you to learn more by contacting Transition Tech Recruiter Pendy Eldridge at transtech@faytechcc.edu or by calling 910-486-3626

(Photo courtesy of FTCC)