The second level of training within the THW comprises different options to further develop skills and expertise: specialist training, leadership training, training for particular functions (e.g. local commissioner, team leader or cook), or expert courses for THW international operations. These are all referred to as ‘specialist qualification’.

Specialist training

The specialist training courses take place after successful completion of the Basic Training. Operatives are assigned to the Rescue Groups or specific Technical Units – such as the Water Damage or Debris Clearance or Illumination technical units – and then receive the training they need for that unit’s specific tasks. These training courses take place both in the local sections and at the regional or national training centres. Some further training is organised by the THW Regional offices or State Associations, with each course open to operatives from all the local sections in a particular region. The instructors on THW training courses are generally volunteer THW operatives who were specifically trained to be instructors.

Leadership training

THW team leaders are trained at the THW national training centres. Leading a team of operatives during stressful operational situations requires technical expertise, individual strength, and the ability to evaluate and motivate people. In order to be able to meet these demands, THW team leaders receive dedicated training to prepare them for likely operational situations. Operatives can take part in leadership training after they have completed their specialist training.

Further training

Knowledge is ephemeral: theory is quickly forgotten unless it is trained and rehearsed so it can be quickly called up when needed. So it is very important to have exercises where this knowledge can be applied practically, deepened, and expanded into new insights and methods. This is what the THW calls ‘further training’ and can be understood as continuing professional development. It makes up the third level of training in the THW.
For this, operatives take part in regular exercises and training courses. This further training is not completely uniform across Germany, since it can also contain elements which are adapted to the requirements of a particular location or hazard prevention scenario. It also covers all of the general measures that go beyond those at the specialist training level. These include THW-internal measures as well as training conducted together with external actors such as companies, public utilities or other training providers. This level of training also includes the “THW Annual Briefings” and training measures intended to retain qualifications, such as recurrent or refresher courses.

Training for international operations

Since it was established, the THW has been in action in more than 130 countries in the wake of disasters and accidents. THW deployments abroad take place at very short notice in the wake of disasters, and long-term international THW projects serve purposes such as reconstruction. Both place additional demands on operatives. These include cooperation with the United Nations and international relief organisations, language competencies, and aspects of security, health and emergency management. For this reason, the second level of training in the THW includes a specialist training for operations abroad.