ADT had referred its apprentices to an intruder course in the past but is now running the Modern Apprenticeship course in electrical skills.
Apprentices will be required to attend classes one day a week for two years, culminating in receiving the 2360 electrical qualification. Students will be able to complete a third year at the college if required.
John Fleming, area installation manager for commercial services, said: “The course will give our trainees good electrical experience. Although they are training to install security alarms, sound electrical knowledge is an essential component to the apprentices’ future development and success.
“Previously we referred our apprentices to an intruder course but found that instead of increasing their potential, it would limit their development. The electrical course gives them far more scope to learn and improve their skills.”
In addition ten fully qualified ADT Fire and Security engineers will attend evening classes, studying the 16th edition regulations certificate from January. Almost 20 other engineers have already received their certificates.
Gateshead College and ADT are also developing a programme aimed at training key staff to an industry-recognised NVQ level 2 in Intruder Alarm, Fire Alarm and Access Control. The new ‘Modern Apprenticeship’ programme will involve both college and workplace training accredited by City and Guilds and SITO.
Meanwhile installation engineer James Gordon of Rentokil Initial has won the company’s Electronic Security Apprentice of the Year title. Earlier this year he won the BSIA’s Annual Apprentice Installer Competition.
