INDUSTRY
Security: A career to be proud of With nine high school security career events down, and one more to go, the NZSA and Gallagher reflect on recent conversations around the security skills shortage in New Zealand. The New Zealand Security Association (NZSA), its Security Training and Professional Development Special Interest Group, and many of its manufacturer and integrator members have recognised the challenges of low awareness and professional recognition across the security industry – and are working together to address these issues. From Auckland to Porirua, Wellington to Hamilton, Whangārei to Christchurch, and Palmerston North to Rotorua, the NZSA has been all over the country, rolling out the Ministry of Education (MOE) Security Career Events to more than
Brad Small, Regional Sales Manager, Gallagher.
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300 students across nine schools. With one last MOE-funded event scheduled for South Auckland, the NZSA is exploring options to further develop a sustainable on-going school visit programme. Members of Gallagher’s New Zealand Sales Team have attended five of the nine Security Career Events at high schools across the North Island – sharing their career journey and engaging with students. Recently, Regional Sales Manager, Brad Small, attended an event at Māngere College in South Auckland. “I enjoyed spending time with the students. It was great to see them nodding along as I spoke about the NZ security industry and the vast
opportunities it offers,” Brad said. “It’s predicted that the industry will need 6,000 additional people before the end of 2025, and I hope some of the students we have spoken with over the past couple of months will be part of that influx.” Andrea Charlton, the NZSA’s National Training and Employment Services Manager, has been instrumental in the roll out of these events across the country. “I have enjoyed discussing the diverse career opportunities that exist within the industry, and it’s so rewarding to see the students listening so intently – many just have no idea what our industry does,” said Andrea. “I also appreciated listening to our industry speakers, who have such passion for their careers, and truly inspired students through sharing their personal journeys.” “The SkillsVR Virtual Reality COA Training was also a big hit with the students. It was amazing to see them pick up the headset and controllers and use the technology so naturally. The reactions from students when they are placed into the virtual world is great – they just absolutely love it!” According to Andrea, the reception from those who attended the events was extremely positive. “I was told by numerous careers advisors that the students really enjoyed the events and learnt a lot
August/September 2021
