GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — American Medical Response launched its “Earn While You Learn” program in Grand Rapids Monday.

The program will allow Grand Rapids residents who want to start a career in Emergency Medical Services to get paid as they train to become EMTs.

Participants will be hired and paid while attending AMR’s EMT Basic certification course. When they complete the program and get their state certifications, they will be promoted to EMT-B which comes with a pay raise.

“This program is so exciting,” Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist said, attending the event virtually. “Not only does it allow people to pursue a new career path while receiving a paycheck, it also removes barriers for people who have been historically underrepresented as EMTs.”

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, AMR Regional Director John Robben and state representatives David LaGrand and Rachel Hood, both Democrats who represent Grand Rapids, also attended the event virtually.

More information can be found on AMR West Michigan’s Facebook page.