Cougar Monitoring and BT Redcare to run joint Roadshow for fire and security installers in Midlands region

Led by Cougar Monitoring, the Roadshow will be hosted on Friday 6 October at one of BT’s key buildings in Birmingham city centre near to Birmingham New Street Station. In addition to presentations from representatives of Cougar and BT Redcare, there will also be representatives from the technical departments of both companies available for advice, guidance and training.

Eric Roberts, CEO of Cougar Monitoring, said: “BT Redcare has been in the alarm signalling market for over 30 years. The company is tried and tested and the majority of its products are third party certified. Having met with the new BT Redcare management team recently, it’s abundantly clear that they have a renewed focus and intention to work closer with both ourselves and installers. We’re delighted to join them to reinforce that message to our installers.”

BT Redcare sits at the heart of home and business security, bridging the gap between customers, installers and Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). Backed by BT’s trusted technology and the largest R&D budget in the UK, the business has been leading the way in reliable alarm signalling. Having recently undertaken a refresh of its brand and approach to the market, the company has now pledged to work closer with ARCs and installers to help grow their businesses.

Cougar Monitoring was established in 1996 and holds a number of nationally-recognised accreditations. The business is registered by the Security Industry Authority as an Approved Contractor for key holding, security guarding and Public Space (CCTV) Surveillance and has also received the National Security Inspectorate’s Gold standard EMS and Health and Safety accreditations.

Cougar Monitoring is part of the Prime Interaction Group that also includes Securenett and Kings Security, making it one of the largest independent security groups in the UK. The company invests heavily in cutting-edge technology to provide clients with an “innovative and inclusive” security service. Its high specification alarm receiving and monitoring set-up enables the company to keep response times enviably sharp and to provide reliable and professional assistance.

Going forward, Securenett will be recommending BT Redcare alarm signalling products to its customers.

Commenting on the Cougar initiative, John Ware (general manager of BT Redcare) said: “I met personally with the senior leaders of Cougar Monitoring recently and it’s clear that they, like us, are looking to the future and wish to expand their operation. We’re perfectly placed to help them do this. The combination of our expertise in the market and Cougar’s reach to installers means attendees at the Roadshow will receive the best advice, value and support from both companies.”

*Details of the Roadshow will be issued soon. In the meantime, installers wishing to register an interest in attending can do so online at www.formwize.com/cougarroadshow

 

Apprentice Installer Awards winners set the bar high in 2017

The British Security Industry Association’s (BSIA) Annual Luncheon on Wednesday 12 July played host to the prestigious Apprentice Installer Awards, where one overall winner and two joint runners-up received awards for their achievements.

The Apprentice Installer Awards recognise the academic and practical successes of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems.

As well as rewarding the accomplishments of bright young apprentices, the awards also highlight the commitment of security companies and training providers alike in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry.

Overall winner in 2017

This year’s overall winner is Corrie Stewart, a 21 year-old student from New College Lanarkshire who’s presently in the third year of her apprenticeship with Connelly Security Systems.

Stewart has been impressing her peers and tutors at every level of her apprenticeship, being nominated for the award for her attention to detail and overall skill set.

In his nomination, David Scott (curriculum and quality leader for the built environment and electronic fire and security at New College Lanarkshire), explained that Corrie “is performing well beyond her years in terms of understanding systems and system circuitry.”

Stewart has been excelling in both the theory and practical elements of her apprenticeship, completing 12 units of her qualification with a 90% pass mark or more. Although a third year apprentice, Stewart is already out on her own running her own fire and security jobs, which include installation and maintenance visits to British and European Standards. Her fantastic interpersonal skills means she never leaves a customer until they’re comfortable with and compliant in using the systems.

Talking about her award, Stewart enthused: “I’m incredibly proud to have won this award. I’ve absolutely loved my apprenticeship with New College Lanarkshire and Connelly Security Systems. It has been hard work, but my determination has paid off and I cannot wait to see where it takes me next.”

Stewart went on to add: “The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to enhance my skills, gain valuable experience and work with those who have vast experience in the industry. The programme offers a varied career that requires skills and problem-solving and you face different challenges every day. I’m really proud of my success in such a male-dominated industry, but I can already see the industry changing and I’m delighted to hear that there’s another female apprentice in first year now.”

Runners-up in 2017

The joint runners-up in the year’s Apprentice Installer Awards are Callum Walker and Craig McAdorey (both third year apprentices with Kings Security). They were joint runners-up as their nominations were scored so closely by the judges that it was impossible to decide between the two.

21 year-old Walker was referred to the apprenticeship scheme at Kings Security by a friend, and has been excelling as a technical support apprentice ever since. Joining a team of over a dozen technical support engineers, all of them with a great amount of experience gained within the security industry, Walker has had the confidence and aptitude to speak out in group conversations and express his ideas, quickly gaining him the respect of the rest of the Kings Security team.

Lee Kerry, head of services at Kings Security, nominated Walker for the award and praised him in particular for the fact that he’s also always looking to broaden his technical knowledge, identifying new online courses and even completing some in his own personal time.

“I’d like to thank Kings Security for giving me the opportunity of learning a trade and developing myself as a person, but also for the belief the company has shown in me becoming a security systems engineer,” observed Walker. “The support has been tremendous from the company with its in-house training. I feel this has been the key to my progression, allowing me to work with a variety of systems.”

Walker added: “This achievement has given me the confidence and belief that all of the training and the hard work I’ve put in has been worthwhile. My plan for the future is to continue striving to succeed both personally and professionally on behalf of the next generation of security systems engineers.”

Craig McAdorey has quickly become an asset to his team at Kings, completing a number of in-house signalling training courses including those involving WebWayOne, CSL, Digital Communicators and Emizon.

The diverse skill set gained means that McAdorey is very confident in the installation process, being capable of delivering the end product on time and to a high standard.

Gavin Salter, area engineering manager for Kings Security who nominated McAdorey for the award, also highlighted the apprentice’s excellent customer interface skills.

“Craig is always prepared to go the extra mile in order to deliver on and, indeed, exceed the requirements of the customer. He always maintains a highly professional manner and answers any questions that customers may have.”

Talking about his achievement, McAdorey said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my employer as, without the company, none of this would have been possible. I enjoy my job as a security systems installer. I love working on all disciplines and find all aspects of my role both challenging and enjoyable. Being successful in this competition is a great achievement for me personally and for Kings as a company. I take great pride in my work and will endeavour to progress further in the future in order to fulfil my personal goals of becoming a fully-qualified security systems installer.”

This year’s Apprentice Installer Awards were sponsored by Syntinex. “As a business, Syntinex recognises the importance of development and training future engineers,” commented Jacques Lombard, the company’s managing director. “We’re very proud to sponsor the Apprentice Installer Awards.”

The BSIA would like to take this opportunity to thank Syntinex for sponsoring these awards and wish all the very best of success for the winners in their future careers.

Worshipful Company to raise money for Charitable Trust and Security Benevolent Fund at 2017 Spring Dance

The fifteenth Worshipful Company of Security Professionals (WCoSP) Spring Dance – which is supported by Kings Security – will be held at The Rembrandt Hotel in central London on Saturday 4 March 2017. Proceeds from the evening auction will be donated to the WCoSP Charitable Trust and the Security Benevolent Fund which supports men and women that have been employed in the private security industry and perhaps fallen on hard times.

Peter French MBE, Past Master of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, told Risk UK: “On the night we’ll also be raising funds for the Hackney Carriage Drivers Disney Trip for terminally ill children. Worshipful Company support now pays for four children with their parents and nurses to make this ‘end of life’ trip. We shall be holding an auction and a raffle during the evening.”

On that note, French added: “If any readers of Risk UK and The Paper are able to donate items of memorabilia or perhaps experiences others could not otherwise buy, you will make a difference. This could be private tours of artworks, corporate dining or event tickets. If you can think of any other ways of raising money or you could encourage others to donate items of memorabilia or perhaps experiences others could not otherwise buy, please do let us know.”

*To book your place for The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Spring Dance contact Peter French via e-mail at: pfrench@ssr-personnel.com

The Security Benevolent Fund

The Security Benevolent Fund was founded in 2006 as ‘Here 4U’ when John Purnell, the (then) Master of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, and his successor Peter French identified the need to create a safety net for the most vulnerable people working in and retired from the security profession, the ‘Blue Light Services’ and the Armed Forces.

Many individuals working in security on the front line are at the lower end of pay scales. Often, when illness or injury strikes, they need help, guidance and support to return to work or normal life. Those who have retired often have limited financial resources to help them when problems occur.

In 2010, to avoid confusion with other charities, ‘Here4U’ was rebranded as the Security Benevolent Fund. Since it was established there has been a steady increase in applications for help from serving and retired members and their families from across the security profession.

The Security Benevolent Fund isn’t in competition with other bodies in the industry. It aims to work alongside and support other charities as required, providing welfare, legal, medical and health-related guidance and support for current and ex-employees from the security sector.

The Fund urgently needs additional funds to assist those who seek support in ever-increasing numbers. Any donations are gratefully accepted. Please send all donations to: The Security Benevolent Fund, Clerk of The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, 34 Tye Green, Glemsford, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7RG (e-mail: clerk@wcosp.org)

Personal donations can be made via: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/sbfappeal2015/250331

*For further information access the website at: www.securitybenevolentfund.org.uk

2016 Kings College London Academic Prize

Each year, The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals’ Charitable Trust awards a prize to a student attending the MA course in Terrorism, Security and Society at the Department of War Studies, Kings College, London.

The winner of the 2016 Prize is Grace O’Neill from Northern Ireland for her essay entitled: ‘Why Do People Support the Taliban in Kanduz?’  It was reported that the marks awarded to Grace by her tutors for her work were far in excess of those that would merit a First Class Honours degree.

The prize, a cheque for £200, was presented by the Master Ian Mayes QC at his Installation Luncheon, held on 8 June at The Drapers’ Hall in the City of London.

O’Neill already holds a BA (Hons) degree in History from Cambridge University and is seeking a career in the security business sector.

“2016 Engineers of Tomorrow competition now fully-booked” announces UBM

UBM EMEA, the organiser of IFSEC International, has just announced that all places on this year’s prestigious Engineers of Tomorrow annual competition are now filled. 64 of the fire and security industry’s brightest young engineers will now be at IFSEC International from 21-23 June in order to test their skills against each other in a live installation challenge at Europe’s largest security exhibition.

Engineers of Tomorrow is part of Apprenticeships for Fire and Security, an initiative that places apprentices into careers in the security industry and underpins their development. Supported by IFSEC International, CSL DualCom, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and Skills for Security, the scheme has already helped in launching the careers of more than 3,000 young apprentices.

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.

Companies involved in 2016 include Fidelity Integrated Systems, Abel Alarm Co, Highgrade Fire and Security, Chubb Fire and Security, CBRE, Tyco, Red Alert, VocalVale, H+J Martin, Ambush Security, Wessex Alarms, Captstan Security, Secure One, CIA, SES Yeovil, William Hale, Custom Alarms and the defending champions Tel Cam Security Systems and Kings Security.

The apprentice engineers will participate in the 90-minute live challenge that takes place on the lively exhibition floor at IFSEC International. They will then be assessed by a leading panel of judges from the security inspectorates, the NSI and the SSAIB, and points are then allocated based on performance in the various disciplines.

Heat winners and their employers will be invited to attend the prestigious Security & Fire Excellence Awards, which take place on Wednesday 23 November 2016, where the overall winner will be announced and awarded a £1000 cash prize.

Demand for improved skills

Commenting on the competition, Simon Banks (group managing director at the CSL DualCom Group) said: “The huge take-up for IFSEC International’s Engineers of Tomorrow competition is in line with the industry’s demand for better skills. The fire and security sector is committed to apprenticeships providing results for businesses on a swift basis, while at the same time creating a lasting professional workforce for the future. Importantly, this competition allows employers and apprentices to showcase their skill sets on a world stage.”

This year, IFSEC International will host over 600 leading solution suppliers under one roof across the three days at London’s ExCeL, with the likes of Tyco, Milestone Systems, UTC, Texecom, Salto, Paxton, Hikvision, Dahua, Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, Canon, CAME and Marshalls already confirmed to attend. The show will also welcome more than 65 new exhibitors in 2016.

IFSEC and FIREX International will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection and Management Series, which is the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information.

The Protection and Management Series also incorporates The Facilities Show, Safety and Health Expo and Service Management Expo.

Annually, it attracts more than 40,000 attendees over three days and is the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the security, fire, safety and facilities business sectors.

*Find out more detail about IFSEC International (and register for your badge to see the Engineers of Tomorrow competition) here:  http://www.ifsec.co.uk/Watch_EoT/

Bright futures ahead for winners of the BSIA’s 2015 Apprentice Installer Awards

Young security apprentices Robbie Jackson and Christopher Hunt have been presented with prestigious Apprentice Installer Awards by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA). The apprentices were selected as award winners in recognition of their academic and practical success in the field of electronic security systems installation.

The BSIA’s Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognise the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of intruder alarms, CCTV solutions, access control systems or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies and training bodies towards providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security business sector.

The overall winner of the 2015 Apprentice Installer Awards is 18-year old Robbie Jackson, a third year apprentice working for Compass Fire & Security in Cumbria who was nominated by his course assessor Mark Cunningham of Skills for Security.

From his very first interview, Compass Fire & Security was impressed by Jackson’s ‘can-do’ attitude while the budding security professional’s potential to succeed shone through from the very beginning.

Considering an apprenticeship as an alternative to university, Jackson quickly progressed in his role to become a valued member of the company. Looking ahead to the future, his ambition is to become a lead engineer by his mid-20s and later progress into management. It’s an ambition that his bosses at Compass Fire & Security believe he will achieve.

Andrew Turner, who manages Jackson at Compass Fire & Security, commented: “I firmly believe in the apprenticeship scheme and that apprentices are an asset to any organisation. One of Robbie’s positive attributes is his ability to learn or understand a new or unfamiliar piece of equipment very quickly. Over the years, Robbie has progressed extremely well.”

On being informed of his success in the Apprentice Installer Awards, Jackson said: “I’m delighted to have been selected as overall winner of the BSIA’s Apprentice Installer Award for 2015. Since being taken on as an apprentice with Compass Fire & Security, I’ve worked very hard to ensure that I have completed all aspects of the apprenticeship to the best of my ability and gained the knowledge necessary to become a qualified engineer. I hope to continue my personal development as an engineer with Compass Fire & Security with a view to one day being in a position to apply for more senior roles within the company. My apprenticeship and work placement have been both fulfilling and rewarding and I’m very much looking forward to the next phase of my career in this industry sector.”

Christopher Hunt (right) pictured with Apprentice Installer Awards compere Alfie Moore

Self-motivation and positive attitude

Achieving National Winner status is 17-year old Christopher Hunt, a first year apprentice who works for King’s Security. Following in his father’s footsteps by gravitating towards a career in security, Hunt has duly earned the respect of his colleagues and mentors in the business due to his self-motivation and positive attitude.

Helping out on many major projects for top-rated clients, Hunt demonstrates a good knowledge of IP-based CCTV and understands alarm wiring theory and fault-finding. Comfortable working with IT systems, Hunt is able to add/remove cameras from a system, program interfaces and focus/zoom a camera all from a Windows-based PC.

Nominator of Hunt for this award was Andrew Wood, installation supervisor at Kings Security. “Chris has become a really valued member of the team,” said Wood, “and is everyone’s choice as a ‘second man’. He understands the importance of the customer and always presents himself and the business in a good light. He’s learning other parts of the business at a rapid rate and is eager to progress.”

Reacting to the news of his win, Hunt commented: “I’m honoured to receive the BSIA’s Apprentice Installer Award. It means a lot to be recognised for the hard work I’ve been doing while completing my apprenticeship with Kings Security. The scheme has been amazing in helping me to develop my practical skills and knowledge within the security sector, allowing me to ultimately develop my long-term career goal of working within the industry. I must say a big Thank You to Kings and in particular to my mentor, Andy Wood, who has helped me along the way with not only my practical skills but also theory and customer service skills. I now hope to serve as a role model for new recruits.”

Gaining practical skills and knowledge

James Kelly, CEO of the BSIA, added: “We’re all very well aware that in today’s challenging job market many young people may feel that a long term career is out of their reach. As such, the BSIA and its members fully support the development of apprenticeships which offer positions to young people who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge in the security industry, in turn allowing them to ultimately develop longer term careers in the sector.”

Kelly continued: “It’s always a pleasure to be able to recognise the outstanding talent displayed by our young apprentices, and I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners on their achievements. They’ve all exhibited exceptional qualities throughout their apprenticeships, and no doubt have very bright futures within our industry.”

This year, the Apprentice Installer Awards were once again sponsored by Pyronix* whose chairman and CEO Julie Kenny CBE DL enthused: “Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees in this year’s BSIA Apprentice Installer Awards. Schemes like this are absolutely vital for bringing in fresh recruitment of individuals who are ready to make a difference with passion and enthusiasm. At Pyronix, we advocate this sentiment by pro-actively looking to employ at least one apprentice every year. We fully recognise and appreciate the mutual benefits of apprenticeship schemes.”

The 2015 Apprentice Installer Awards winners were presented with their trophies at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon, held at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

*The BSIA would like to thank Pyronix for its sponsorship of the 2015 Apprentice Installer Awards

NSI Installer Summit seminars focus on business solutions advice

The National Security Inspectorate’s (NSI) second Installer Summit was held in Manchester on Thursday 20 November and proved to be a major success, with over 100 delegates and 35 exhibitors in attendance. Brian Sims reports.

The NSI Installer Summit took place at the Worsley Park Marriott Hotel and showcased contributions from a wide array of top security brands, industry experts and business solutions providers, in turn offering delegates a perfect platform from which to learn about the latest innovations within the industry – including new products and solutions, equipment and tools – and, of course, the latest news from the NSI.

The Installer Summit’s programme of bite-sized seminar sessions delivered by industry experts included a focus on the importance of integrity and performance through the buying chain (presented by Simon Banks of CSL DualCom), the value apprenticeships can bring to a business (described by Kings Security’s Anthony King), Google marketing (courtesy of Clinton Porter from NVisage), employment law tips and advice (discussed by Citation’s Louise Lockett), funding for capital growth (Rob Donaldson of Baker Tilly) and the myths of cloud security (Steve Riley of RISCO Group).

In addition, there was a timely update from ACPO on the reduction of false alarms due to improving technology.

The next NSI Installer Summit takes place in Birmingham next March

Speaking about the first NSI Installer Summit to take place in the North West, the NSI’s CEO Richard Jenkins commented: “Following the success of the first NSI Installer Summit in Birmingham last March, we listened to our installers and brought the event to Manchester. The NSI Installer Summit is a truly unique event for our approved companies, providing them with the opportunity to network, see at first hand the latest products from the leading manufacturers, hear from NSI technical experts about developments in standards and be given solutions advice from a number of business-related specialists.”

Jenkins continued: “We believe the Installer Summit adds real value to ‘The NSI Community’, ensuring that NSI approved installers are well informed about developments that impact their industry and their businesses. Given the exceptionally positive feedback we’ve received from both events, we’re delighted to announce that our next Installer Summit will take place in Birmingham on Tuesday 10 March 2015.”

*View a selection of photos from the day via the NSI’s Pinterest site at: http://www.pinterest.com/nsi1/nsi-installer-summit-manchester/

**Download the presentations: http://www.nsi.org.uk/information-centre/nsi-events/nsi-installer-summit-manchester-2014/nsi-installer-summit-manchester-programme/

***If you’re interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the next NSI Installer Summit (which takes place at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on 10 March 2015, please contact the NSI via e-mail at: exhibit@nsi.org.uk or telephone 01628 764843. Delegate registration for this event will be launched in the New Year

100 in 100 2014: creating new apprenticeships for UK security

The official launch of 100 in 100 2014 – the fourth annual drive to energise more brand new apprenticeships across the security world – took place at a special presentation held in the IFSECGlobal.com Centre Stage Theatre at IFSEC International 2014 on Wednesday 18 June.

100 in 100 aims to energise 100 or more new apprenticeships in the UK security sector within a 100-day timeline starting at IFSEC International 2014 (which ran from 17-19 June at ExCeL, London).

“Last year, the 100 in 100 campaign exceeded its target and even caught the eye of the Government with a personal letter of congratulations from Prime Minister David Cameron,” said Simon Banks, Group Managing Director at the CSL DualCom Group and the co-founder of 100 in 100.

“This publicity is crucial in order to keep employers’ minds focused on apprenticeships as a credible recruitment source. Employers must engage with apprenticeships and recognise how valuable an apprentice can be within their company in a relatively short time frame.”

Simon Banks: co-founder of 100 in 100

Banks also stated: “In just three years, the right candidate can become integral to the team and a great source of fresh ideas and skills. When you also factor in the potential skills gap predicted in the UK by 2020, it really is very important for employers to act now. Put simply, there has never been a better time to hire an apprentice.”

The political will is also there to make apprenticeships work. Matthew Hancock MP – the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning – is once again supporting the 100 in 100 campaign.

New apprenticeship opportunities in the UK security sector

Supporting the 2014 campaign are CSL DualCom and Skills for Security as well as the major inspectorates – the National Security Inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board.

Also backing the apprenticeships drive are the British Security Industry Association, the Fire Industry Association and the Fire Protection Association.

Matthew Hancock MP: supporting this year’s apprenticeships drive in the security sector

As always, UBM Live’s Security and Fire Portfolio (with http://www.IFSECGlobal.com at its heart) is the campaign’s official media partner.

100 in 100 focuses on all types of apprenticeship, among them installation engineers, manufacturing engineers, business administration, Human Resources, marketing and PR.

Apprentices usually take around 18 months to gain Level 2 qualifications, with a further 18 months required to take the apprentice to a Level 3.

Employers embracing the opportunities on offer will be responsible for paying employment costs of at least the minimum wage (for 16-18 year-olds and 19-year-olds in the first year of their apprenticeship). Employers will also be required to provide work-based training within their companies.

Skills for Security has again committed to look after paperwork for those organisations willing to employ new apprentices, right from initial sign-up through to appointing the college or training provider.

The training and skills body will also draw down Government funding on each participating company’s behalf.

Why should your company take on apprentices?

According to the National Apprenticeship Service research undertaken in 2010, 77% of employers canvassed believe apprenticeships make them more competitive. The research also showed that 80% of employers believe apprenticeships reduce their staff turnover, while over 80% of consumers favour using those companies that take on new apprentices.

That’s why your company should take on apprentices NOW!

Richard Jenkins – CEO at the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) – commented: “It’s vital to engage with young people and encourage them to view our industry as a credible and rewarding career choice. The NSI’s mission is to raise standards in the industry and, to help achieve this, young enthusiastic talent must be nurtured in order to carry the industry forward in a professional manner. The NSI wholeheartedly supports the 100 in 100 initiative and encourages employers to seriously consider the many benefits that apprenticeships can bring to their businesses.”

Richard Jenkins: CEO at the NSI

Geoff Tate – Chief Executive of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) – added: “We’ve supported the 100 in 100 initiative since its inception and we’re delighted that it has been so successful. To ensure that the industry continues to service the market well, we need to make certain that the skills base of those just starting to work in the security sector is as good as it possibly can be. The success of this project is testament to the enthusiasm of all those involved, and to the resilience of the sector overall.”

Geoff Tate: CEO at the SSAIB

What the employers have to say

Speaking from the perspective of an employer fully committed to taking on apprentices, Anthony King – Managing Director at Kings Security – explained: “Kings Security has always believed in apprentice investment and, over the last 30 years, we have increased our intake each year. At the moment we average 50 apprentices every 12 months, and we’re proud to host an onsite Learning Centre.”

King continued: “By training an apprentice you’ll nurture an employee with the exact skill-set required by your business so the initial time spent training them pays dividends in the future. Many former apprentices now head up our teams of engineers. Kings Security is committed to continue our apprentice investment for future years.”

Kings Security’s managing director Anthony King

Another keen supporter of 100 in 100 is Lucy Banham, Director at The Banham Group. “At the Banham Group, we use the apprenticeship scheme to bring into the business young individuals who are keen to learn. It’s important for any company to safeguard their future by nurturing a variety of experience and ages within their workforce.”

Importantly, Banham added: “The fact that a potential apprentice has sought out an apprenticeship with your business shows an immediate level of commitment. They are prepared to go through training and college work in order to prove to us as an employer that they really want a job at the end of the process. We also find that apprentices are good, mature candidates as they have made this important career decision so early on.”

Telephone Skills for Security’s Customer Relations Team on 01905 744000 TODAY and play your part in the UK security apprenticeships drive for 2014.

For further information visit: http://www.csldual.com/uk/news/get-apprentice-aware-in-2014.html or e-mail: TheApprentice@csldual.com

About IFSEC International 2014

IFSEC International 2014 showcased effective and efficient security solutions across a wide range of product areas, among them: Access Control, Integrated Security, Smart Buildings, Intruder Alarms, Perimeter Protection, Physical Security, Safe Cities and Video Surveillance.

IFSEC International is the largest security event to showcase a range of solutions for the entire security buying chain. Visitors are able to attend the IFSEC Academy and experience the wealth of education on offer from many industry leaders and experts in chosen disciplines.

IFSEC International 2014 is part of UBM’s Protection and Management 2014. Registration for IFSEC International is open and gives badge holders access to all the shows within Protection and Management 2014 including: FIREX International, The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo, Energy & Environment Expo and Service Management Expo.