Free training and support for those currently unemployed is one of the many options for adults at Uxbridge College, as evidenced last night when several individuals were presented with their Door Supervisors Certificate at Hayes Community College in west London.
The Door Supervisors Certificate – which encompasses the statutory four-day, Security Industry Authority (SIA)-approved training course – is one of the courses offered under a number of schemes organised and run specifically to assist unemployed people.
The schemes include:
Adding the new skills required
The ten-days of instruction leading to the Door Supervisors Certificate – itself developed and delivered by Uxbridge College in partnership with security industry specialist Beyond Basics Training – adds the new skills sets required by a modern security officer. Additional course modules include the statutory four-day First Aid at work, fire marshalling (including practical fire fighting), customer service and report writing.
It’s fair to say that regulation has engendered a transformation across the security industry. Well-trained security personnel now have the opportunity of developing a career path within the sector, which is now worth billions of pounds and gradually creeping up the corporate agenda.
By way of emphasising that point, it’s worth noting that the largest employer on the London Stock Exchange FTSE 100 is a security business.
What the graduates say…
We spoke to two people who have successfully completed The Door Supervisors Certificate at Uxbridge College. The first is Lahiru Sbadone, a 34-year-old former hotel and GP receptionist who has also worked in the retail sector.
Previously, Sbadone studied for her ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels abroad, and completed a computer course on a part-time basis at college.
“Now that I’m qualified as a door supervisor I’m looking for a job as a security receptionist. The qualification isn’t just for jobs working on the door,” explained Sbadone.
“I found out about this training through Harlesden Jobcentre and signed up,” she continued. “Uxbridge College is a good place to come to do this kind of course, with good teaching and facilities. The staff are very helpful, and the college has helped me a lot. The skills we have now also help in day-to-day life, such as First Aid and dealing with conflicts.”
21-year-old Jason Baxter lives in West Drayton, and used to be a bricklayer while having also been involved in the motor trade as a vehicle spray painter. He enjoyed a secondary school education and completed an apprenticeship.
“We’ve learned a lot on the course – customer service, conflict management, procedures on how to search people, First Aid, fire safety, legal considerations and more,” commented Baxter.
“The security industry is a well-paid area to work in so this training is well worth doing. It’s quite fun doing the course. You’re treated like an adult and learn in a relaxed environment.”
Baxter concluded: “The instructors have their own experience – our tutor is a door supervisor himself – so you’re being taught by people who know what they’re talking about. I would definitely recommend the course.”
What the Editor said…
Infologue.com Editor Bobby Logue asked Security Management Today’s Editor Brian Sims to say a few words at last night’s ceremony.
Speaking to the mixture of graduates, guarding company managers and college representatives, Sims emphasised the fact that security is a superb profession in which to work. It’s people focused and, at present, in the midst of fundamental change for the better.
“Regulation is the key,” said Sims. “The SIA’s regime has realised the first-ever qualifications for so many people, and is helping pave the way for many more newcomers to the sector. People such as yourselves.”
Sims went on to comment: “The industry is in need of fresh blood. People with new ideas to bring to the party. We need dynamism.”
There are problems to be overcome – among them the poor image of the security profession engendered by national media reporters, and the fact that many clients are continuing to penny-pinch when it comes to buying the service – but these issues are outweighed by the positives.
“We now have a sense of increased professionalism across the sector,” commented Sims. “The Security Institute is doing a phenomenally good job of bringing together like-minded practitioners to realise Chartered status for security managers, while the Government’s counter-terror agenda, the protection of our Critical National Infrastructure and the whole Wider Policing Family set-up offers many opportunities for tomorrow’s rising stars to join the ranks and play their part.”
Sims concluded: “Security is the most important topic on this nation’s agenda. Make it your career. Make the sector your home, and make it your profession, too.”
For more information on the new Door Supervisors Certificate please contact Harpal Lehal at Uxbridge College on (telephone) 01895 853605
