Hiring Hoosiers is a new initiative from RTV6 that works to connect Hoosiers to employment opportunities, career development resources, training programs and educational paths. In our Hiring Hoosiers reports we are taking a closer look at barriers to employment and things that get in the way of people getting the jobs they need to support themselves and their families. For more information, visit HiringHoosiers.com. See new stories weekdays at 6 a.m. on RTV6!
AVON — When you're young the career possibilities seem endless, but also daunting if you haven't had a chance to really dig in to the things that you think you'll like.
That's the idea behind a program in Avon that allows kids and young adults between 10 and 20 years old the chance to learn what it's like to work in the industries they show the most interest in.
The Washington Township/Avon Fire Department has one of those programs.
"It's the best job in the world," said Lt. Bobby Reffett. "Maybe I'm a little bias, but it is. It's an awesome career to be in."
LEARN MORE | Central Indiana Exploring
The fire department explorer program gives young adults ages 14 to 20 the chance to train with real firefighters and develop some important skills that will help them land a job in the fire department when they're old enough and ready.
"It really helps you realize when you get older," Reffett said. "And just gives you the drive and motivation to want to help out people and become a firefighter or EMT."
Not only are these kids and young adults training at the fire house, they get to go out on actual runs and join those same firefighters for their more intense training classes on the training grounds.
"It's a huge opportunity for these kids to get in here and to get hands-on," Reffett said.
Some of the other fields kids and young adults can "explore" include law enforcement, engineering, technology, science, business and health.
Last year, the program placed 1,300 young adults in training programs.
