Determining the need for a postgraduate qualification in Fire Technology

• Main Author: Smit, E.J.
• Other Authors: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: Interim : Interdisciplinary Journal: Vol 9, Issue 1: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein 2015
• Subjects: Fire technology
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11462/347

Published Article === In South Africa (SA) fire service employees train at accredited training centres to become qualified firefighters, but to progress to higher leadership positions, there is a perceived need to acquire advanced expertise in areas that could be addressed by Higher Education (HE). A study employing a survey and focus group discussion was conducted, in collaboration with the professional body for emergency services in SA, to ascertain this perceived need. It was found that a high percentage of qualified firefighters were interested in further academic offerings by HE institutions and that their aspirations are toward a structured Master's degree. This type of Higher Education offering would furthermore, have to be presented through a blended learning method.