Parkland College’s Support for Workforce Training (SWFT) program is set to launch a new Telecommunicator 9-1-1 training this summer, offering local residents a pathway into high-demand emergency dispatcher careers. The two-week training, which begins June 2, will be held through Parkland’s Office of Workforce Development and is open to community members across the college’s District 505 service area.
The program aims to address the growing need for skilled 9-1-1 telecommunicators-professionals who serve as the crucial first point of contact during emergencies throughout Champaign County. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in essential job functions such as typing, emergency simulations, and direct exposure to real-world scenarios, guided by current and former telecommunicators. The curriculum is designed to give students a realistic understanding of the fast-paced and vital role dispatchers play in public safety.
In addition to technical training, the SWFT program provides personalized support throughout the job application process, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to pursue employment in the field. The training is free of charge, and graduates will receive financial support as they transition into the workforce, helping to remove common barriers to entry for those seeking stable, life-supporting careers.
Telecommunicator positions offer competitive wages and do not require a college degree, making the career accessible to a broad range of residents. According to Parkland College, classes will run approximately three hours a day over the two-week period, and space is limited.
The initiative is part of Parkland’s broader SWFT program, which, supported by the Illinois Workforce Equity Initiative grant, has helped hundreds of local residents move into high-demand jobs in fields such as healthcare, transportation, and public safety. Nearly 80% of SWFT participants complete their programs, and a significant majority secure employment at an average wage of $24.43 per hour.
For more information or to register, interested individuals can contact the SWFT office at swft@parkland.edu or call 217/353-2150.
About Parkland College SWFT:
The Support for Workforce Training program at Parkland College offers guided, short-term certification programs in high-demand career pathways, providing both academic and career services to help students achieve family-sustaining employment quickly and effectively.
