As the security industry recognises the significant skills gap in engineering, multiple initiatives are emerging to attract and retain the next generation of security and fire systems installers.North East security firms and their apprentices recently received a boost when a much-needed security training facility opened its doors.
The workshop, based at Access Training on the Team Valley, is the first of its kind in the North East and was designed and kitted-out in partnership with a number of regional security firms.
The facility will ensure hundreds of young people gain hands-on experience of security systems and will help to provide more high-quality security apprentices to companies across the region.
NSI is a proud founding stakeholder of the annual Engineers of Tomorrow competition that takes place during IFSEC at ExCeL London between the 19-21 June.
The competition aims to raise the profile of the future generation of security and fire safety professionals and examines how apprentices and young engineers are making an impact on the systems installation world.
Last year’s event welcomed 70 participants from 25 companies and for this year’s 20th anniversary we hope that even more competitors will be encouraged and supported by their employers.
This year’s competition is open to both fire systems installers, as well as electronic security alarm installers.
Each candidate sits a theory test before undertaking a practical assessment. The competitors then work in pairs to install and commission an alarm system before being marked by a panel of expert judges from fire and security certification bodies, including NSI.
To encourage a range of companies to participate, the pairings can represent the same company or individuals can be teamed up from different companies. Points are awarded based on performance in various disciplines, including speed of installation.
Employers benefit from free exposure of their business to the global security industry and demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the development of young professionals
The three highest scoring pairs over the three days and their employers are invited to attend the glitzy Security Excellence Awards in London. First prize (£1000), second (£500) and third (£300) places announced and presented to winners on the night.
Employers who register their apprentices to take part in the competition at IFSEC benefit from free exposure of their business to the global security industry and demonstrate their commitment to nurturing the development of their young professionals.
Candidates for the competition are drawn from colleges across the country and will go on to compete in the EOT competition itself.
New College Lanarkshire hosted an annual two-day Electrical Fire and Security Skills Challenge. Thirty candidates travelled from as far as Aberdeen and Dumfries to compete at the specialist facilities in the College’s Motherwell Campus.
NSI’s Chief Executive, Richard Jenkins, an advocate for apprenticeships and standards within the fire and security industry, attended the competition to support this key initiative.
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