FIREFIGHTERS in the North-East are the first to take a degree course aimed at making them the best in the country.
The University of Sunderland has worked with the Tyne and Wear and Northumberland fire and rescue services to develop a foundation degree in emergency services management.
Twelve crew and watch managers from the neighbouring rescue services will study personal development, business planning and organisational performance, with all assessments and learning being linked directly to their role in workplace.
John Pratt, head of learning and development at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We have workforce development that provides all staff with the necessary training to undertake their role efficiently and effectively.
“The foundation degree takes the service’s management development to the next level by training crew and watch managers as successful leaders whilst also gaining a university qualification.”
Pauline Wonders, head of the Centre for Flexible Learning at the university, said: “Organisations and businesses will only invest in learning if they see a clear benefit.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here