The U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Internship Program is designed to prepare, qualify, and certify active-duty service members for careers as civilian Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians during the final 120 days of their military service. Through the program, SkillBridge participants have the opportunity to earn required Firefighter or EMS certifications (depending on their start date) while serving as interns with North Whidbey Fire & Rescue.

During their internship, participants gain valuable hands-on experience in daily fire station operations, crew communication, ambulance transport, emergency response, civil service testing, and interview preparation.

For those selected to participate in the North Whidbey Fire & Rescue Firefighter I Academy SkillBridge Internship, it is important to note that a two-week period prior to the program start date is required for orientation, onboarding, background screening, and drug testing. The Firefighter I Academy and internship officially begin in early March and conclude in mid-June, encompassing the full 120 days of SkillBridge participation.