Apollo High School Opens New EMT Training Facility
Students at Apollo and Tech high schools can now access hands-on emergency medical training at this new facility.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Apollo High School has unveiled a new emergency medical technician training bay to prepare students for local career paths. This facility, which serves both Apollo and Tech High School, integrates hands-on instruction in partnership with St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
Why it matters
The program aims to lower barriers to workforce entry and encourage graduates to build their careers within the state. It represents a significant investment in regional technical education, bolstered by both state funding and a local voter-approved referendum.
The new facility is supported by $250 million in state funds and $50 million from a 2025 voter-approved referendum. The program is expected to be fully operational by fall 2028 as part of a larger plan to introduce 10 additional technical career programs.
The players
Apollo High School
A St. Cloud secondary institution now serving as a regional hub for technical career training.
Amy Klobuchar
The senior United States Senator for Minnesota who visited the site to highlight workforce development initiatives.
St. Cloud Technical and Community College
A higher education partner providing specialized curriculum for the new emergency medical technician program.
District 742
The local school district managing operations for Apollo and Tech High School.
The details
Students gain professional experience by training in an on-site ambulance bay designed to simulate real-world emergency scenarios. The curriculum is delivered in collaboration with St. Cloud Technical and Community College to ensure students meet industry standards. This technical training model is designed to provide clear pathways to high-demand local jobs for high schoolers.
Timeline
2024: State funding for the project was first approved.
2025: Voters approved a $50 million referendum.
October 2026: The facility officially held its ribbon-cutting ceremony.
October 26, 2026: Senator Amy Klobuchar toured the new training site.
Fall 2028: The EMT program is scheduled to be fully operational.
The Home Front
This initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to integrate technical training directly into secondary education to address local workforce needs. It follows a growing trend of state-backed investments aimed at retaining young talent through specialized vocational programs.
Parents of students at Apollo or Tech High School should monitor district communications regarding enrollment windows for the new technical programs. Families can also check school board updates to see how these vocational tracks may impact future course planning and graduation requirements.
The takeaway
The addition of this facility provides students with a head start on professional certifications without leaving the school campus. Families should review the district's technical education course catalog to see how these pathways align with their student's future college or career interests.
What happens next
The district is currently developing 10 additional technical career programs in fields including construction, education, and mechatronics, with full implementation of the current EMT facility expected by fall 2028.
Further reading
For more information on local programs, visit the Secondary Education page.
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