F.W. SPRINGSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL

• American Aviation Flight Academy: Do you want to become a pilot? Look no further than our own backyard. American Aviation Flight Academy is located right here in Brooksville.
  • Students interested in becoming pilot can do the following at AAFA
    • Private Pilot Certification
    • Instrument Rating
    • Commercial Pilot Rating
    • Multi-Engine Rating

• ATA Career Education offers multiple health science career academy programs. Between being conveniently located in Spring Hill as well as affordable, ATA makes sense for many of our graduates.
• Students will find ATA Career Education to have:
  • in demand health science programs
    • Medical Coding
    • Dental Assistant
    • Medical Assisting
    • Practical Nursing
    • Healthcare Management and Leadership

    • X-Ray Tech Limited Medical Radiography with Medical Assisting

• The Contractors Institute offers many construction education and contractor related programs, located in Hudson, off US 19.
  • Building Officials Institute
  • Home Inspectors Institute
  • Hurricane Mitigation
  • Mold Services
  • Stucco Institute

• Commercial Diving Technologies Institute is located at 17212 US-19, Hudson, FL 34667 which is less than 20 minutes from SHS.
• Commericial Diving Technologies Institute focuses on underwater welding.  Their program is about 7 months and all training is here in Hernando!
  • Classes start each month. 
  • No dive experience needed
  • 100% Job Placement!!!
  • Students who have a parent who has not used their GI Bill can see if their parent can transfer their GI Bill to the student.
  • Accept Federal Pell Grants (up to  $6,800 per year).
• If interested, please reach out to their office to schedule a tour of their campus and diving facilities. Be sure to tell them your SHS school counselor referred you.

MedFleet offers an entry level position titled "Non-Medical Patient Transporter", or PTS,  which requires no licensing/certifications, only that they are 18 years old, graduated from high school (or GED equivalent) and have a valid Florida driver's license. 

This is a perfect opportunity for individuals that are interested in entering the medical field but are not quite sure how to get started. We train from the ground up, certifying in First Aid and CPR, learning hospital settings, how to provide proper patient care, and operating an emergency vehicle. This allows our PTS employees to get their foot in the door all while learning and growing within the EMS field. 

MedFleet also provides an EMT school sponsorship through the School of EMS! MedFleet will sponsor our employees to attend EMT school free of cost, barring a 1 year contract to work full-time following the completion of the course. EMT school through the School of EMS is a 16-week course, primarily done online but is in-person once a week to attend labs, testing, clinicals, etc. at their location in Pinellas County. This course teaches all the skills and knowledge required to be a licensed EMT and to prepare students to take the national registry an obtain their Florida EMT license.

For more information, you may reach out to:

Thomas Jasiulevicius

Recruiting Coordinator

Email: tjasiulevicius@medfleet.com

Mobile: 727-858-9111

1. What is the Fire Rescue Trainee Program?

The Fire Rescue Trainee Program is an entry-level developmental program that prepares individuals for a career as a certified Firefighter EMT with Hernando County Fire Rescue. It provides paid training, hands-on experience, and support as you complete the required state certifications.

2. Who is this program for?

This program is for individuals who are interested in a fire service career but have not yet completed Firefighter I/II and/or EMT certification. It is ideal for:

• High school graduates interested in fire rescue

• Career changes

• Candidates with some training but lacking full certification

3. Do I get paid while I’m in the program?

Yes. Fire Rescue Trainees are hired as paid, full-time employees with benefits while enrolled in the program and completing required certifications.

4. What certifications will I earn through the program?

The program supports your completion of:

• Florida Firefighter Compliance certification

• Florida EMT certification

• Some candidates may enter with one of these already completed and only need to finish the other.

5. How long is the program?

The full program typically lasts 6–12 months, depending on your current level of certification and performance:

• Emergency Medical Technician: 1 Semester

• Fire Academy: 18 weeks

• Probationary Firefighter period: 12 months

• Service Obligation: 3 years upon transfer to the Operations Division

6. What does the daily schedule look like?

Trainees will work a 40-hour work week, which may include a combination of classroom training and department-based assignments. When not attending Fire or EMT classes, trainees will report to various divisions within HCFR to support ongoing projects, training prep, and departmental operations. Class schedules (Firefighter or EMT) may include daytime, evening, or occasional weekend hours depending on the program provider. Trainee hours are adjusted accordingly to ensure they fulfill a full 40-hour week while meeting all educational and departmental requirements.

7. What are the basic qualifications to apply?

• Must be at least 18 years old

• High school diploma or GED

• Valid Florida driver’s license

• Ability to meet physical demands of the job

• Pass a background check, drug screening, and medical exam

• Eligible to apply for both Firefighter Academy and EMT Program (No prior fire or EMT experience required to apply)

8. What benefits do trainees receive?

As a trainee, you’ll receive:

• Full-time employment

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Paid leave and holidays

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) participation

• Paid tuition fees and costs

• All required uniforms and protective gear provided

9. What happens after I complete the program?

Upon successful completion of training and certification, you will transition to Firefighter EMT and under-go a field orientation with HCFR Training Division and then be assigned to a regular shift. You’ll continue on probation until your one-year anniversary but will operate as a full member of the department.

10. How do I apply?

Visit our department website or the county job board and search for Fire Rescue Trainee openings. Applications are only accepted during active recruitment periods. Be sure to upload all required documents and monitor your email for the next steps. Governmentjobs.com/careers/hernandocofl 1

• What is the application process?
  • The Fire Rescue Trainee Program uses a multi-step selection process designed to identify motivated, well-rounded candidates who demonstrate the drive and potential to succeed in the fire service.
  • Applicants must complete each step to advance to the next:

1. Online Application – Submit your application during the open recruitment period.

2. Essay Submission – Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a one-page written essay based on a given prompt.

3. Physical Abilities Test – Upon successful completion of the essay, candidates will be invited to participate in a job-related physical abilities test.

4. Oral Interview – Applicants who successfully complete the physical test will be scheduled for an in-person interview with the selection panel.

12. Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Email: LErhard@hernandocounty.us

Phone: (352) 540-1064 Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates

To receive email updates or announcements about the Trainee Program, email HCFRrecruitment@co.hernando.fl.us and request to be added to the mailing list.

Social Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates

• The Jersey School of Nursing program at their Hospital-Affiliated Brooksville campus educates and prepares students for entry level registered nursing positions in a variety of health care settings.
• The program consists of course work in nursing, science, general education, and clinical practice at select health care institutions. The Hospital-Affiliated Brooksville campus is an on-site Registered Nursing program through an alliance between Tampa General Hospital and Jersey College.

Turn your ambition into a successful career with Nature Coast Real Estate School! They provide the training and support you need to get licensed and start earning fast.

Why Choose a Career as Real Estate Agent?

✔ Unlimited income potential
✔ Flexible schedule—be your own boss
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✔ A rewarding and in-demand profession

• Wilton Simpson has many vocational and trade school programs available to our students after high school graduation. 
• Student will find Wilton Simpson to have:
  • in demand programs
    • Applied Cybersecurity
    • Applied Welding
    • Automotive
    • Barbering
    • Cosmetology
    • Nail Technician
    • Heating/Ventilation and AC (HVAC)
    • Law Enforcement Academy
  • affordable tuition
  • flexible hours for working young adults
  • dedicated teachers and staff
  • located in Hernando County

• Marchman Technical College has many vocational and trade school programs available to our students after high school graduation. 
• Student will find Marchman to have:
  • in demand programs
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Cosmetology
    • Culinary Arts and Hospitality
    • Applied Cybersecurity
    • Commercial Art Technology
    • Computer Systems & Information Technology
    • Digital Cinema Production
    • HVAC
    • Electricity
    • Welding Technology
    • Automotive Service Technician
    • Marine Service Technologies
  • affordable tuition
  • flexible hours for working young adults
  • dedicated teachers and staff

• Withlacoochee Technical College has many vocational and trade school programs available to our students after high school graduation. 
• Student will find Withlacochee Tech to have:
  • in demand programs
    • Applied Cybersecurity
    • Applied Information Technology
    • Automotive Service Technology
    • Correctional Officer
    • Cosmetology
    • Crossover from Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Officer
    • Electricity
    • Florida Law Enforcement Academy
    • HVAC/ Refrigeration
    • Industrial Machinery Controls Technician
    • Massage Therapy
    • Medical Administrative Specialist
    • Medical Assisting
    • Medical Coder/Biller
    • Nails Specialty
    • Network Systems Administration
    • Nursing Assistance
    • Practical Nursing (LPN)
    • Culinary Arts and Hospitality
    • Technology Support Services
    • Welding Technology
  • affordable tuition
  • flexible hours for working young adults
  • dedicated teachers and staff