A fire and security installation competition is being launched next year at the UK’s largest skills competition.WorldSkills UK LIVE has announced that it will pilot a competition dedicated to the sector when it takes place in the NEC Arena, Birmingham in November 2019.
Taking place in front of 70,000 spectators the competition sees more than 500 students and apprentices compete in various vocational skills for the accolade of being best in their discipline in the UK.
Competitors qualify via regional competitions held by training providers and colleges around the UK. New College Lanarkshire, Banham Academy, Hopwood College, Belfast Met and South Eastern Regional College will host regional competitions to find the most talented engineers working in the fire and security sectors.
The regional competitions will also find competitors for IFSEC’s Engineers of Tomorrow competition, which takes place in June at London ExCeL.
“The new WorldSkills competition will ensure the continued sustainability of the fire and security industry.” David Scott, leader of the WorldSkills Fire and Security group
“We are calling for support from industry partners to support the new WorldSkills competition, which will ensure the continued sustainability of the fire and security industry,” said David Scott, leader of the WorldSkills Fire and Security group.
“We already have the support from a number of manufacturers and employers, including Texecom, CSL, Tavcom, EFT Group ltd, Engineers of Tomorrow Stakeholder group and IFSEC (UBM), and we are now calling on more to help us ensure we have the required support to hold a successful competition.
Scott, who is also curriculum and quality leader for electronic fire and security at New College Lanarkshire, added: “This is a first time opportunity for our industry to be recognised on a national and international stage as a leading trade alongside the likes of electrical, joinery, plumbing and automotive.
“There is currently a skills shortage within the electronic fire and security industry, with many companies having difficulty recruiting both engineers and even young apprentices.
“This move into WorldSkills will help break down barriers in recruiting new young talent into the industry.”
Find out about sponsorship opportunities and how you can support security and fire apprentices at WorldSkills by contacting David Scott of New College Lanarkshire on [email protected] or 07808 218 265.
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