Skills for Security says it “has long supported apprenticeships within the security industry, running a successful, funded apprenticeship scheme for the electronic security and fire systems sector, which consistently delivers high achievement rates at both Level 2 and the Level 3 Advanced apprenticeship”.
Chief Executive David Greer said:”Professional vocational training for young people and adults is vital to the future success of both the national and local economy and a critical route to career success and business improvement. It is definitely not the ‘low achiever’ alternative to an academic/university education.”
Less well-known is the apprenticeship in Providing Security Services which is currently on offer through several manned guarding companies.
Dynamis Enterprises Ltd in Manchester has just celebrated 3 of their officers in the 19-24 age group, and 3 from Pro-Tect UK Ltd with whom they work, completing their Level 2 apprenticeship within 9 months.
Director of Dynamis Enterprises Ltd, Joel Igenoza, spoke about the advantages of employing apprentices: “We can nurture them through the training process over a longer period of time, show them the ropes and pass on the skills we have beyond the SIA licence level. It is a good pathway into the industry for younger people and, of course, the government funding for the training saves us money.”
‘Experience can now be taught’
Andrew Merritt, Director of SCL Security in Crawley has officers who are part way through their apprenticeship: “With all training, when security is concerned, it really only starts where the SIA licence ends. The apprenticeship gives us the opportunity to safely progress their training with further skills, previously only available through trial and error, whilst doing the job. Experience can now be taught.”
You could also choose to build your back-room capabilities with a Business Administration or Customer Services apprentice who would be trained by you, to your standards and with a thorough grounding in the way you do business, Skills says.
Have a look at the National Apprenticeship Service website www.apprenticeships.org.uk to find out about the events, help and funding in your area, or contact Skills for Security advisers for more information about the security systems and guarding apprenticeship schemes.
[email protected] (Business Development Adviser – South)
[email protected] (Business Development Adviser – North)
