Tackling Competition for Talent in the Security and Surveillance Industry at WorldSkills UK LIVE

A competition launched in partnership between Skills for Security and WorldSkills UK aims to help address the skills shortage in the security and surveillance industry by raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities.

The Electronic Security Systems Competition will take place at this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE, due to be held at the NEC Birmingham between 21-23 November.

An expected 70,000 visitors to LIVE, the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeship and careers event, will enjoy the opportunity to witness apprentices participating in this competition for the first time. The Electronic Security Systems Competition aims to reflect the role of an electronic security engineer, showcasing the skills and talent required to excel in the security and surveillance industry.

The reality of the industry’s talent shortage is stark, with the growing need for a digitally-enabled security workforce compounded by a talent gap in a growth industry valued at £2.35 billion in 2017.

The Electronic Security Systems Competition is supported by CSL, Hikvision and Texecom, key industry players eager to inspire a new generation of talent for the security and surveillance industry.

“The launch of this competition, in partnership with WorldSkills UK, will improve the standardisation of training”

“Electronic security fundamentally protects people’s lives and livelihoods, and as such is a very worthwhile endeavour for young people to consider as a career choice. This new competition will highlight the skills and innovation in the industry to a wider audience, as well as increasing the training level and knowledge base of electronic security apprentices already involved,” said Clym Brown, Marketing Director at Texecom.

The drive to inspire new talent by highlighting apprenticeship and career opportunities is essential for the sustainability of the security industry’s workforce. Equally important is ensuring fresh talent is supported through relevant courses and qualifications to improve skills and standards. That’s a core part of Skills for Security’s mission.

“The launch of this competition, in partnership with WorldSkills UK, will improve the standardisation of training and raise participation in apprenticeships, helping to reduce the skills shortage that we are currently experiencing.

“We are hugely grateful to CSL, Hikvision and Texecom for their support, both financially and in resource, as without this we would not be able to run this competition and engage a new generation of engineers,” said David Scott, Managing Director, Skills for Security.

The Electronic Security Systems Competition not only aims to increase awareness of the security and surveillance industry in young and aspiring engineers, but also act as a catalyst to improve training standards throughout the UK security industry. This drive for enhanced standards and improved skillsets is of growing concern at a time when the physical and cyber security industries are becoming increasingly integrated, raising new challenges for acquiring and developing qualified talent.

“We have brought together over 20 expert training providers from across the industry and the UK to create a competition that mirrors real-life scenarios, and prepares those taking part for the world of work.

“Combining this expertise with the rigorous WorldSkills UK training standards has helped us produce a world-leading competition that ensures young people looking for a career in security and surveillance have the transferable skills needed to keep up with the pace of change, helping to secure the future of the industry,” said Joe Sheppard, Brand & Marketing Manager, CSL.

The talent shortage currently impacting the security and surveillance workforce is a key concern for industry. WorldSkills UK LIVE provides a platform for industry players attempting to tackle that challenge head on.

“It is a great way to enable young people to understand how new technologies are shaping the industry, the skills that are required to work as an engineer, and the range of training and career opportunities available to them,” says Parisa Shirazi, Head of Education and Competitions, WorldSkills UK.

WorldSkills UK LIVE  takes place 21-23 November at NEC Birmingham.

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