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NZSA CEO’s March Report
NZSA CEO’s March Report
In this update, NZSA CEO Gary Morrison talks SkillsVR Security Training Platform, MSD Skills for Industry programme COA training, Crowded Places SIG, Security Technical Level 4 qualification and more.
Gary Morrison is CEO of the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA). A qualified accountant, Gary originally joined Armourguard Security as a junior accountant and held several roles over two decades prior to appointment as GM for New Zealand and Fiji, after which he established Icon Security Group.
Everyone has their personal views on the “go hard go fast” strategy and the effectiveness of closing off the extended Auckland region in response to localised positive tests, however there is no escaping the economic cost to the country when locking down the commercial hub that generates in excess of 40 percent of our GDP.
It is very apparent that border closures will be with us for some time and that there will be a longlasting and severe impact on sectors such as tourism and hospitality and the industries that service them. Thankfully, most of our members have reported strong demand for their services and have come through the pandemic without significant impact, however we are very aware that some are still doing it tough and remain in survival mode.
Given that we are in our annual process of renewing membership, we appreciate that cost control will be an issue for some and remind members that the annual fee can be paid over equal monthly instalments, but also welcome members to give me a call and discuss options, such as deferred membership, that may assist financially.
Launch of SkillsVR Security Training Platform We are very pleased to announce that the SkillsVR Security Training Platform has successfully completed the moderation process and can now be delivered to candidates seeking to complete the mandatory training required for obtaining a Certificate of Approval (COA).
The training will be delivered by an approved and accredited training provider that we are partnering with however the delivery model also provides flexibility for delivery by other accredited training providers who wish to utilise the platform.
The SkillsVR Security Training Platform has been jointly developed by JBA (Joy Business Academy) and NZSA in partnership with MSD and will form a key component of the wider SkillsVR offering being developed in conjunction with MSD. As part of this offering, MSD clients will soon be able to visit a number of Connected MSD offices where they will be able to use the virtual reality headsets to experience real life work scenarios across a range of industries and identify roles that fit their future employment aspirations.
There will be 38 face-to-face Connected drop-in centres across the country that will include website and communication access and aim to make it easier for New Zealanders to find employment, education and training services and types of support offered by government agencies.
Prior to the formal launch of the SkillsVR Security Training Platform with MSD, we will commence delivering the COA training to our MSD clients through the Skills for Industry programme and NZSA members during March. This will be delivered via a combination of e-learning for Unit Standards 27360 and 27364 and virtual reality for Unit Standard 27361.
The e-learning modules provide total flexibility with regards to location, venue and timing from a learner perspective and the virtual reality is delivered from a simple headset that can either be purchased or hired at low cost with a one-day turnaround.
For further information on the SkillsVR Security Training Platform or to arrange a live or online demonstration, please contact Chris Thomas on 021 771 173 or chris@ skillsvr.com.
MSD Skills for Industry programme - inclusion of COA training In conjunction with the implementation of the SkillsVR Security Training Platform, we are pleased to advise that within the next month all MSD candidates referred to our members for employment under the Skills for Industry (SFI) Work Broker programme will have completed their COA training via the SkillsVR Security Training Platform and will have their COAs when commencing employment.
The NZSA will cover the cost of the training and our members will further benefit from being able to interview and employ well trained and work ready candidates.
Crowded Places Security Special Interest Group (CPSSIG) Late last year the New Zealand Government Protecting our Crowded Places strategy documents were released.
The strategy has been developed to protect people working in, using and visiting crowded places and with the intent of preserving the public’s use and enjoyment of these places while making them more resilient.
There are four overarching strategies: 1. Building stronger partnerships 2. Implementing effective protective security 3. Establishing better sharing of information and guidance 4. Increasing resilience
It has been recognised that the private security industry has a key role to play in the implementation and delivery of these strategies - both through participation in the to-beestablished Business Advisory Group and also in an advisory role to the owners and operators of venues, events and other crowded places when seeking guidance on protective security and building resilience.
The NZSA recently hosted a Crowded Places Security Forum involving specialist consultants and security providers, venue and event operators and the NZ Police to discuss how we can further strengthen and professionalise the services offered and create career pathway opportunities for those looking to specialise in this area.
As an outcome, we have established the Crowded Places Security Special Interest Group (CPSSIG) which will provide specialist industry representation and guidance on matters such as determining the competency criteria that should be utilised when determining those parties who are qualified to provide expert advice on crowded places security.
Participation in the CPSSIG is open to those who have a strong interest and expertise within the crowded places arena (and including non NZSA members). If interested, please contact Gary on gary@security. org.nz for more information.
Covid-19 vaccine rollout Whilst the Covid-19 vaccine rollout is underway for security staff working at the MIQs and other frontline roles, the government has yet to publish any formal rollout plan for other essential service workers.
With the assistance of the association representing commercial cleaners in New Zealand, we have been able to establish a relationship with the Ministry of Health that will allow us to have cleaning and security staff recognised as priority essential service workers on the regional rollout plan.
We are currently in the process of establishing and providing indicative staff numbers across the 14 District Health Board regions that will oversee the vaccine programme and once we receive indicative plans and timelines we will be able to communicate these to our members. Security career pathway website Thank you to all those members who have provided feedback on the new website www.securitycareers.co.nz.
The feedback has been extremely positive and our viewing statistics have continued to increase - including a surprisingly high number of views from overseas.
Over the next few months we will be launching an initiative targeting school career advisors and using both the security careers website and the virtual reality training platform as key differentiators from other industries when looking to encourage new entrants into the security industry.
Security Technical Level 4 qualification It is very pleasing to advise that not only is the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (NZCiES) Level 4 qualification in place and being delivered, but also the uptake of registrations has exceeded expectations.
Those gaining this qualification will be recognised as qualified security technicians able to supervise staff on mid to large sized projects, create electronic security solutions for customers as well as provide site-wide leadership and manage relationships with stakeholders.
Learners doing the core certificate in electronic security also have the option to enrol in one of the following strands: • Electrical appliance service person (endorsed) • Electrical installer • The qualification covers topics such as: • Professional and technical knowledge for emerging and converging technologies • Advanced health and safety • Installation and cable support systems • Theory of electronic security system design • Theory and development of data networking to support electronic security systems • Advanced application of stakeholder engagement principles • Diagnosis and repair of faulty electronic security systems
This course also qualifies for the Government Fees Free policy until December 2022 for New Zealand residents - refer www.feesfree.govt.nz.
For more information please contact Carine Vaccari at ETC on 022 568 6671 or carinev@etec.ac.nz.
End of copper network Telecommunication providers have been providing advance warning that copper phone lines are going to be removed, and with many exchanges already operating VOIP circuits for subscriber ‘analogue’ phone lines, this will impact on a significant number of parties who still have their alarms monitored via copper. Chorus has recently confirmed that they will start shutting down its copper phone network from September this year.
We would recommend that monitoring providers should have plans in place for alternative communication pathways prior to cessation of the copper network.
New Zealand Register of Security Professionals In our last email we mentioned that the NZSA is conducting a feasibility study on the implementation of a Register of Security Professionals that could sit alongside our licensing authority or potentially even replace the PSPLA.
As part of the feasibility study we have consulted with a range of stakeholders including service providers, training providers, unions and industry customers and as the final part of the process we will also seek input and feedback from our Registrar and Ministry of Justice.
Key factors for us in determining the long term viability of the proposal will centre around the need to provide quantifiable benefits for those who utilise the register (the “what’s in it for me” question) and the ability of industry to effectively and efficiently self-manage the administrative processes required.
We expect to finalise the feasibility study within the next month and will provide an update within the next newsletter.
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VE1260
