Training If an applicant passes the medical exam, they are scheduled for training. The length of time and complexity of training varies greatly. A dispatcher trainee's probationary period can range from 3 months to one year. During this time, the trainee receives frequent evaluations and can be dismissed for good cause. After probation, the dispatcher can generally be dismissed only for misconduct or incompetence.
Some states have a standardized training course for anyone who wants to be a dispatcher.
In most cases, the agency sends the trainee to the course during employment. However, since many of these courses are given by community colleges, they are open to anyone who wants to become a dispatcher or who is considering the field. Check with your local college district to see if they give such classes. Many agencies pay some portion of the employee's retirement contributions or offer other tax-deferred savings plans. Most jurisdictions give employees certain holidays off.