The starting signal for promotion to the senior fire service

On 3 April 2023, 15 civil servants from the Bundeswehr Fire Service began, as part of their progression to the higher technical administrative service in the field of fire protection, a two-semester qualification programme specially developed for them began at the Institute of Fire Service Science at the Wuppertal Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Safety Technology. This further training for prospective fire service leaders complements a successful partnership that has been in place since 2017: the dual degree programme in Safety Engineering, which forms part of the career training for the higher service of the Bundeswehr Fire Service.

The Bundeswehr is setting entirely new standards

“We are delighted about the expansion of this successful collaboration and look forward to welcoming the first participants on this unique further training programme,” says Roland Goertz, Director of the Institute of Fire Service Science at the University of Wuppertal. The Bundeswehr is thus setting entirely new standards in leadership development for the fire service. In a fast-paced and increasingly complex world, leaders require up-to-date insights into scientific working methods and content: “In addition to the basics of mathematics, physics and chemistry, the aspiring leaders learn essential knowledge about building fires, fire dynamics, hazardous substances and reactions, as well as fire service organisation and management,” explains course leader Dr Bianca Wegener. At the end of the second semester, participants can expect written examinations, a final dissertation and laboratory practicals.

Practical relevance and exchange for even higher quality of study

The project also offers real added value for the University of Wuppertal: “The curriculum for one of the oldest degree programmes – and one that is now nationally renowned in the field of safety engineering – stands out, amongst other things, for its practical relevance,” says Goertz. The daily interaction and exchange between students and experienced professionals from across the country is therefore equally valuable and expressly welcomed by both sides. Organised by the Centre for Continuing Education at the University of Wuppertal, participants are based at the Chair of Chemical Safety and Preventive Fire Protection, which houses the Institute of Fire Science. Its director, Prof. Roland Goertz, had himself led two professional fire brigades prior to pursuing his academic qualifications and career.

The two heads of department responsible at the Federal Ministry of Defence are also delighted with the new career development programme for their civil servants. “We offer high-performing members of the Bundeswehr Fire Service an interesting and varied programme for their professional development,” says Eric Schnell, the head of department responsible for the training of civilian staff. “Many people are unaware that we have more than 3,500 civilian firefighters in the Bundeswehr,” adds Georg von Harling, the head of department responsible for fire safety. “It is always important to work on professional and personal skills in order to ensure prevention and to be able to respond appropriately to hazardous situations.”

Key details at a glance:

• Project duration: 3 years and ongoing
• Cooperation & funding: Federal Ministry of Defence
• Internal project coordinator: Dr Bianca Wegener
• Contact: aufstiegbw[at]uni-wuppertal.de

Further information:

• Bundeswehr