Start of the new firefighting course on April 1

Welcome to the team! 20 new firefighter candidates from all over Germany officially start their training today, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, which will prepare them for one of the most demanding professions. In around 960 hours of instruction, they will be prepared for their future tasks in the fire department until September 30.

The participants include five trainee fire chief inspectors for the city of Berlin, two trainee fire officers for Leipzig, three trainee fire chiefs for Saalfeld, two trainee fire chiefs for Bruchsal, two trainee fire chiefs for Weißenfels, one plant firefighter for the TotalEnergies refinery in Leuna as well as four trainee fire chiefs and another trainee fire chief inspector for the company's own requirements. The duration of the training varies depending on the career path: 18 months in the middle fire department and 24 months in the higher and senior fire department.

Wide-ranging training with a high practical component

The training comprises a varied program of theoretical and practical content. In addition to firefighting and technical assistance, the curriculum includes scientific principles, vehicle and equipment knowledge as well as general subjects such as administrative law and preventive fire protection. Specialized operational training on firefighting, technical assistance and NBC operations provides comprehensive knowledge and prepares the candidates specifically for their operations.

Another element of the training is the intensive fitness program. Participants complete the German firefighter fitness badge and the lifeguard test. The sporting performance tests consist of swimming, strength, endurance and coordination.

The recruitment test for the training took place over three days and included a theoretical test (with general and fire service-specific questions), a sports test and an interview.

Cooperation and training locations

In order to meet the increasing demand for qualified firefighters in central Germany, parallel training courses are held at the professional fire departments in Gera and Erfurt. As part of a training network, certain training courses are held jointly and special topics are covered in greater depth through the exchange of instructors.

The main training location is the South Fire and Rescue Station in Jena. Additional training content is taught at the fire academy in Bad Köstritz (fire simulation facility, radiation protection), at the Galaxsea swimming pool and at the military training area in Ohrdruf.

Cooperation and training locations

In order to meet the increasing demand for qualified firefighters in central Germany, parallel courses are held at the professional fire departments in Gera and Erfurt. As part of a training network, certain training courses are held jointly and special topics are covered in greater depth through the exchange of instructors.

The main training location is the South Fire and Rescue Station in Jena. Additional training content is taught at the fire academy in Bad Köstritz (fire simulation facility, radiation protection), at the Galaxsea swimming pool and at the military training area in Ohrdruf.

Practical training under experienced leadership

The team of instructors, led by Michael Fischer, has designed a challenging and practical program that optimally prepares the candidates for their future assignments. The close integration of theory and practice as well as the exchange between the various training locations guarantee a sound qualification. The program concludes with a comprehensive examination in both areas.

Mayor and Head of Safety Benjamin Koppe welcomed the new candidates to the South Fire Station: "The work of the professional fire department requires not only technical skills and specialist knowledge, but also physical fitness, mental strength and the ability to act calmly in extreme situations. Sound training is therefore the foundation for the safety of the emergency services and the people they protect. The basic training course not only provides the necessary knowledge, but also prepares the candidates intensively for the challenges of their profession - from firefighting and technical assistance to rescue in life-threatening situations."

Koppe also emphasizes the importance of recruiting specialists and the training network for the professional fire department: "In Jena, we focus on a high level of training and thus counteract the nationwide shortage of skilled workers in professional fire departments. The training alliance with Gera and Erfurt has proven its worth in this context. The main focus here is on synergy effects, only having to purchase equipment once or, as a local authority, being able to concentrate on specialist areas during training and thus also make it easier to qualify instructors," said the mayor.

Bürgermeister und Sicherheitsdezernent Benjamin Koppe, stv. Leiter FD Feuerwehr Nick Ludwig und das Ausbilderteam um Michael Fischer begrüßten die 20 neuen Feuerwehranwärter.

© Stadt Jena

Am 1. April beginnt der neue Grundlehrgang für die 20 Feuerwehranwärter.

© Stadt Jena