100 in 100 Apprentice Drive: An ROI in 12 Months, says CSL Dualcom’s Simon Banks

Owners of security businesses have been urged to exploit the 100 in 100 Apprentice Drive operated by CSL Dualcom.

Writing on LinkedIn the company’s MD, Simon Banks, says they can enjoy benefits within just one year of recruiting an apprentice – providing entrepreneurs invest properly in their charge.

“With government funding more accessible than ever, there are so many reasons to invest in apprenticeships,” says Banks. “It’s not a quick win but after just a year, you’ll see the benefits.

“After two years, your investment will be a prized asset. You’ll have created something your competitors will value. Likewise, you must value them.

“Be realistic and don’t expect to retain your apprentice on £8k a year when they are 23-years old! Over 80% of apprentices stay with the employer that invests in them.”

Career path

If decent remuneration will prevent apprentices from decamping to competitors then charting a defined career path will incentivise them to strive to improve as well as stick around beyond the end of their apprenticeship, continues Banks.

“If you assume too much and/or underpay, expect to lose them to a competitor. Value what you have and keep your investment alive with a career path and succession plan.

“Provide them with greater responsibilities that will challenge both you and them. After all, they aspire to you and the positive trajectory of your business.”

Banks, who joined the security industry as a software engineer in the mid 80s, believes universities tend not to produce fully formed engineers – so industry has  to step up.

“Universities provide an undeniable route for many vocational careers. Sadly, they do not deliver ‘hit-the-ground-running’ security engineers with multiple technical disciplines and a full understanding of the standards and codes of practice.

“Experienced security engineers are in short supply because employers just expect there to be a long line of qualified engineers being ‘grown’ by someone else. We’re back to that easy route again.”

The reticence of some firms to take on apprentices can be attributed to fear, says Banks, who is also a director at the National Security Inspectorate (NSI).

“The first barrier to an employer investing in an apprentice is the fear that the return on investment might not be there. It’s presumed they’ll be a liability, an expense, a spare part, consuming the time and energy of your existing team.

“An engineer with years of proficiency has an ever decreasing desire to crawl around a roof void to ‘pull’ cables, so buddy-up your apprentice with that experienced engineer. Your apprentice will be mentored by a practiced professional and your engineer gets an extra pair of hands.

“Your company is now set on a succession course that will ultimately be a win-win for all concerned.”

Read Simon Banks’ full post on hiring apprentice engineers on LinkedIn

Engineers of Tomorrow, UK Apprentice and Young Engineers Competition 2015 will celebrate its 17th year at IFSEC International 2015. At the heart of the installation apprentice and young engineer industry the competition will provide participants with a global stage to compete against their peers and represent their company.

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