Abstract:
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.