EDIT skills aug21_000_PSI_mar15 26/07/2021 17:35 Page 2
SKILLS
Training for the future David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security looks at technical training courses for the security industry
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aving worked with fire and security companies across the UK, I see firsthand the difficulties in attracting and retaining engineers. Due to the skills shortage/crisis, we see the quality of work decrease, availability of labour decrease, and staff wages increase. Skills shortages can be cancerous, and although we are doing good work in developing new talent across the sector - where numbers have quadruple in less than two years - we must now look at how we can develop our existing workforce, which should in turn help you attract and retain engineers. During the first lockdown, which seems like a lifetime ago, Skills for Security released free technical training webinars that were specific for those operating in the sector. The courses covered advanced signalling, which included grading, compliance with standards and the digital switch off, plus Intruder Alarm, CCTV and Fire Surveying and Design courses which included carrying out risk assessments, creating operational requirements, and again compliance with the standards. Since then, in partnership with IFSEC and FIREX, we have developed a range of bespoke online CPD accredited technical courses that are available 24/7. Engineers can self-enrol onto the courses. The courses themselves are automatically marked and certificated, a process that is both is effective and efficient. The reasoning behind this was to make training accessible. Skills for Security fully appreciate the busy lifestyles that everyone lives these days, so training needs to be accessible at a time that suits the learner. Since this initial release, we have also created a cybersecurity course, which focuses on the key aspects that engineers need to consider when installing, maintaining security systems when the systems are integrated on end-users networks. In addition, we have produced an Access Control Survey and Design course, which looks at risk assessments, grading/levelling and compliance. Since last year over 8,000 people have completed these online technical courses. Skills for Security are not the only organisation offering technical competence training. Tavcom, who are BSIA members, also have a vast range of courses specifically designed to upskill engineers. Tavcom Training – the provider of accredited security systems training courses and part of the Linx International Group – is celebrating its 25-year anniversary with the opening of a training centre of excellence in
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in partnership with IFSEC and FIREX, we have developed a range of bespoke online CPD accredited technical courses Shipley, West Yorkshire. The new centre is ideally located to meet all the training needs of the many security professionals in the North of England and beyond. With two teaching facilities firmly established in the UK (Hampshire and West Yorkshire) and a growing portfolio of bitesize, virtual, and online interactive courses, Tavcom Training is making it easier for security professionals at all levels, to access its award-winning and internationally recognised security systems training courses. For
YOUR SKILLS QUESTIONS ANSWERED As part of this column you can ask David questions directly about training and apprenticeships. We will aim, to publish the question and answer in the next column. If you want to participate in this, then email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk
How does the Zitko Talent Programme work? In short, Zitko talent sources talent from a number of different sectors. Some are even graduates. They then put them through an intense training programme with some of the industries leading manufacturers, training providers and apprenticeship providers. At the end of the 12 month period, you have a ready made engineer that is trained with your organisations cultures and expectations in mind.
I have an apprentice, but don't know where to start.. Drop us an email at info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk we will talk you through the process.
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