Training and exercises for those registered on the roster

Training and exercises

The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency offers induction courses, capability-enhancing courses and exercises as part of its operational activities. Courses and exercises are conducted either independently or in collaboration with others.

The objectives of the training and exercise activities are to:

• Contribute to the development of professional competence to enable practical involvement in the Agency’s operational activities.
• Provide increased knowledge of individuals’ equal rights regardless of gender, skin colour, ethnicity, age, religion, political views, sexual orientation or disability, as well as of vulnerable groups with special needs during relief operations.
• To enhance the ability to act independently and conscientiously in accordance with the Agency’s code of conduct and guidelines.
• Develop the ability to cooperate, be proactive and take decisive action.

Induction courses

The Agency’s Field Staff Induction Course is compulsory for personnel in the resource pool who are due to take part in international operations. The induction course consists of preparatory distance learning, followed by on-site training at one of our schools.

The induction course provides participants with knowledge in areas such as the Agency’s areas of operation, health and safety. The agency also offers an induction course for staff involved in national operations.

Skills development in various areas of capability

The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency offers courses in various capability areas and at different levels. The courses are delivered as required and are tailored to the different skills profiles within the resource pool and the tasks they are expected to perform during operations. For example, there are specific courses in search and rescue, the environment, flooding, solar cells, logistics and medical care.

The training programmes are designed and delivered by the The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency. The Agency is also able to nominate participants for training programmes run by other organisations. This applies primarily to courses and exercises organised by various UN agencies or within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), but other organisations may also be involved.

Exercises

Various types of exercises are organised to enable personnel in the resource pool to apply their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. Some exercises aim to familiarise participants with and enable them to use the equipment employed during operations, whilst others aim to create a realistic context and practise their skills under conditions that are as realistic as possible. The Agency conducts both its own exercises and joint exercises with other organisations.

Pedagogy and methodology

The pedagogy and methodology behind the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency’s courses and exercises are based on process-oriented learning. The learning methods vary between lectures, individual tasks, group discussions, practical exercises, seminars, role-play, films and interviews. In this way, participants develop their ability to collaborate and solve problems, take responsibility, and make independent and critical judgements.

Admission to courses

Admission to our courses and exercises takes place through the agency sending out invitations to staff in the resource pool. The selection process takes into account prior knowledge and experience, the need for skills development, and availability for deployment. The Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency strives to achieve an even gender balance in our courses and exercises.

Read more about taking part in a mission