100 in 100 2013: Backing Apprenticeships for UK Security

The official launch of 100 in 100 2013 — the third annual drive to create more brand-new apprenticeships across the security world — took place at IFSEC International in May.

Click here to view Figure 1.

“There has never been a better time to hire an apprentice,” explained Simon Banks, group managing director at the CSL Communications Group and a key driver behind the 100 in 100 initiative.

Banks is right. There’s now greater college access than ever before, burgeoning industry acceptance, and easier administration procedures. The political will is also there to make apprenticeships work.

“This Government is on the side of employers who invest in the skills of their people,” said Matthew Hancock, the skills minister within the coalition Government who firmly supports 100 in 100. “We’re working with businesses to ensure that the apprenticeships programme is rigorous, responsive, and absolutely delivers on the high-quality training which employers really value.”

New apprenticeship opportunities in the UK security sector
100 in 100 aims to energize 100 or more new apprenticeships in the UK security sector between IFSEC International and the Security Excellence Awards Ceremony (which this year takes place at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London on Wednesday 23 October).

Supporting the 2013 campaign are CSL DualCom and Skills for Security as well as the major inspectorates — the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board.

Also backing the apprenticeships drive are the British Security Industry Association and the Fire Industry Association. As always, IFSEC is the campaign’s official media partner.

100 in 100 focuses on all types of apprenticeship, among them installation engineers, manufacturing engineers, business administration, human resources, marketing, and PR.

Apprentices usually take around 18 months to gain Level 2 qualifications, with a further 18 months required to take the apprentice to a Level 3.

Employers embracing the opportunities on offer will be responsible for paying employment costs of at least the minimum wage (for 16- to 18-year-olds and 19-year-olds in the first year of their apprenticeship). Employers will also be required to provide work-based training within their companies.

Skills for Security has again committed to look after paperwork for those organisations willing to employ new apprentices, right from initial sign-up through to appointing the college or training provider.

The training and skills body will also draw down Government funding on each participating company’s behalf.

100 percent government funding is available for apprentices aged 16 to 18, with reduced government funding (50 percent) for 19- to 24-year-olds. Government loans are available for those apprentices aged 25 and above.

New for 2013 is an additional GB pound 1,500 grant for those SMEs that don’t currently employ an apprentice and haven’t done so for the last three years.

Great start to the 2013 campaign
Skills for Security reports a solid start to the 2013 100 in 100 drive.

Eighty-eight companies are currently registered as recruiting one or more apprentices. The total number of apprentices being recruited by these organisations is 121, while 20 apprentices have been signed up for the autumn start (just over 50 percent more than at the corresponding stage last year).

Seven companies are so far listed within the 100 in 100 2013 “Roll of Honour”:

• Abatis Security Systems
• G4S Technology (UK) Ltd.
• Heston Apex Europe Ltd.
• Lyrico Systems Ltd.
• RDS Security Systems Ltd.
• Spectrum Fire (UK)
• Titan Fire & Security

Why should your company take on apprentices?
According to the National Apprenticeship Service research undertaken in 2010, 77 percent of employers canvassed believe apprenticeships make them more competitive. The research also showed that 80 percent of employers believe apprenticeships reduce their staff turnover, while over 80 percent of consumers favour using those companies that take on new apprentices.

Telephone Skills for Security’s customer relations team on 01905 744000 today to find out more about 100 in 100 and play your part in the UK security apprenticeships drive for 2013.