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.

20,000-plus new apprentice jobs pledged during National Apprenticeship Week 2014

Even more people will gain an opportunity to earn while they learn after more than 20,000 new Apprenticeships have been pledged by employers as part of National Apprenticeship Week¹.

From Lloyds Banking Group committing to hiring 5,000 apprentices through to Greene King and Whitbread pledging 2,000 a piece and EE, Mitchells & Butlers and Starbucks each announcing 1,000 vacancies, announcements have been made by hundreds of businesses around the country.

It’s not just big corporates that are showing their commitment to Apprenticeships – 47% of the employers creating new Apprenticeships are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Smaller organisations announcing plans to take on apprentices include Cambridgeshire retailer Crafting Time, Kent web designers Interactive Red, London charity Lives not Knives, Grimsby-based electrical contractor HYBRiD, Oldham construction firm Emanuel Whittaker and Penzance customer services company TR18 Contact.

Other companies that have pledged new Apprenticeships include BT, ITV, Network Rail, Be Wiser Insurance, Central Bedfordshire Council, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Ashtead Plant Hire, Southend Citizen Advice Bureau and Virgin Media.

Meanwhile, Capita Personal Independence Payment has pledged to make 5% of its non-healthcare workforce apprentices and launched a drive to hire more disabled young people onto Apprenticeships.

National Apprenticeship Week, which ran from 3-7 March, has also seen a boost to the new Traineeships, which give young people the work preparation training, English, mathematics and work experience they need to gain an Apprenticeship or other job.

Employers including the BBC and Port of Tilbury have pledged to give more young people Traineeships – as have Liverpool Football Club through a partnership with Myerscough College.

Meanwhile, Westminster Kingsway College has launched a new Parliamentary Traineeship programme so 16-23 year olds can get a chance to gain experience in the corridors of power.

Damaging divide between vocational and academic learning

Business secretary Vince Cable said: “The Government is putting an end to the damaging divide between vocational and academic learning. We are committing to the biggest ever investment in Apprenticeships and are on track to create two million Apprenticeships over the course of this Parliament.”

Business secretary Vince Cable

Cable continued: “The resounding success of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week demonstrates that apprenticeships are deservedly becoming more popular with businesses of all sizes. Apprentices already contribute £1.8 billion to the economy and, with these further commitments, thousands more people will now be able to gain the practical skills they need to build careers and help firms grow.”

Friday’s announcement follows new research revealing that nearly half (44%) of employers intend to take on one or more apprentice in the next five years². Further research from the Association of Accounting Technicians has revealed that apprentices have delivered around £1.8 billion of net economic benefits to UK organisations in the last year³.

National Apprenticeship Week has also seen the Prime Minister announce the Government’s commitment to creating two million Apprenticeships over the lifetime of the current Parliament. David Cameron announced the next round of Trailblazer employers – 29 new groups of employers who will lead the transformation of Apprenticeships. The new trailblazers span sectors from accountancy to aviation and nursing to retail and include small businesses and sector specialists as well as some big names such as Tata Steel, John Lewis, British Airways and BMW⁴.

Online mentoring service to begin

Other announcements during last week included the launch of new Higher, degree level, Apprenticeships in Space Engineering and Nursing.

To help bring more SME employers on board, further support has been announced including a new online mentoring service entitled Apprenticemakers.

Meanwhile, the AvLive feed of vacancies which training providers and partners can use to promote Apprenticeship vacancies has been upgraded following a successful six-month testing period.

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock MP explained: “We want to make going to University or into an Apprenticeship the new norm. Over half of young people say they would like to do an Apprenticeship if one were available. As National Apprenticeship Week 2014 comes to a close, we can announce that 20,432 new positions are to be created.”

Skills minister Matthew Hancock

The minister continued: “In order to give young people the best chance possible of securing an Apprenticeship or job and unlock their potential, we need to help them become work-ready. The new Traineeships will be crucial to that.”

In conclusion, Hancock said: “Apprenticeships are delivering for employers, young people, adults and the economy and are increasing at a record rate. Nearly every employer that takes on an apprentice reports benefits to their business, including the ability to grow their own talents.”

Now in its seventh year, National Apprenticeship Week is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. The overarching theme for 2014 has been Great Apprenticeships to demonstrate that Apprenticeships are great for business, personal careers and create opportunities for both employers and apprentices.

Visit apprenticeships.org.uk or https://bitly.com/Traineeships2014 for more information.

Notes
¹Data sourced from monitoring press coverage during National Apprenticeship Week and through press releases sent to the National Apprenticeship Service and registrations on the National Apprenticeship Service Pledgeometer
²http://apprenticeships.org.uk/news-media/latest-news/article402.aspx
³http://www.aat.org.uk/news/article/AAT-research-shows-value-of-apprenticeships-UK-businesses
⁴https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/apprenticeship-trailblazers

National Apprenticeship Service: delivering Apprenticeships and Traineeships

The National Apprenticeship Service supports and co-ordinates the delivery of Apprenticeships and Traineeships throughout England.

The organisation is responsible for increasing the number of Apprenticeship and Traineeship opportunities and providing a dedicated, responsive service for both employers and learners. This includes simplifying the process of recruiting an apprentice or trainee through Apprenticeship vacancies, an online system where employers can advertise their vacancies and potential apprentices or trainees can apply.

Apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and the economy. Businesses across the country are increasingly realising the enormous benefits that Apprenticeships create, not only in terms of developing a highly skilled workforce but also by boosting productivity and staff retention.

Research shows that Apprenticeships are an optimal way of training, developing and skilling people for the future, helping businesses to secure a supply of people with the skills and qualities they need and which are often not available on the external job market.

A Traineeship is an education and training programme with a work placement that is focused on giving young people the skills and experience that employers are looking for. At its core are work preparation training, English and maths for those who need it, and a high quality work experience placement.

Traineeships are for young people aged 16 to 23 who are motivated to get a job but who lack the skills and experience that employers are looking for. Traineeships prepare young people for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. They give young people the skills and experience to be able to compete for an Apprenticeship or other job.

Traineeships are a stepping stone to future success for young people, businesses and the wider economy.

There has never been a better time to employ an apprentice or start an Apprenticeship.

Visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150600 to find out more.

The Skills Funding Agency

The Skills Funding Agency is a partner organisation of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS). Its job is to fund and promote adult further education (FE) and skills training in England, including Traineeships and Apprenticeships, in a way which supports economic growth.

The Agency delivers £4.1 billion of skills training through contracts with over 1,000 colleges, private training organisations and employers with a highly effective supply chain that means FE meets local need in the most cost-effective way.

Within the Skills Funding Agency there are two customer-facing services: the National Apprenticeship Service, which is responsible for increasing the number of Traineeship and Apprenticeship opportunities, and the National Careers Service, which provides impartial careers information, advice and guidance online, by telephone or face-to-face.

100 in 100 Roll of Honour recognition for Securi-Guard

Securi-Guard has joined a special industry roll of honour after taking on two apprentices as part of a major national recruitment drive administered by Skills for Security.

The Plymouth-based company will train Liam Hewins (aged 18) and 17-year-old Kieran Pope, both from Plymouth, to work in its security systems division as part of a commitment to help the next generation of security industry employees.

In recognition of the two appointments, Securi-Guard is among a number of security firms nationwide who have been named in the 100 in 100 Roll of Honour by Skills for Security, the not-for-profit organisation that serves as the sector skills body for the private security industry.

It offers information, advice and guidance to help with training and skills development in the security sector for both apprentices and existing security personnel who want to improve their knowledge and skills set.

Terri Jones, the new director general at Skills for Security, said: “We’re delighted that Securi-Guard is supporting the 100 in 100 initiative for 2013. Apprentices deliver real value to employers, and developing the talent of the future is vital to the economic success of the sector. Congratulations to Kieran and Liam. We look forward to following their progress.”

Left to Right: Securi-Guard’s Paul Lawson with new apprentices Liam Hewins and Kieran Pope

Installation, maintenance, Health and Safety

Securi-Guard will be training Liam and Kieran as security and fire systems engineers under the auspices of Skills for Security’s training programme.

They will both work with an experienced engineer and be taught a variety of skills, including installation of systems, how to repair and maintain the systems to a high standard and ensuring compliance with Health and Safety regulations.

Scott Boyd, Securi-Guard’s managing director for fire and security, said he was delighted to be able to support the 100 in 100 initiative.

“This is an extremely worthwhile campaign and represents a great opportunity for us to help two young apprentices make their mark in the security industry,” stated Scott.

“As a family company, we take great pride in developing our staff from within and see apprenticeship schemes such as this as a natural extension of that ethos. It’s a chance to develop two individuals and equip them with the kind of skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their careers.”

The 100 in 100 campaign for 2013 is aiming to place at least 100 new apprentices across the security sector between IFSEC International 2013 (which was held in May at the NEC) and the Security Excellence Awards Ceremony, which takes place at London’s Hilton Park Lane Hotel on Wednesday 23 October.

Fully endorsed by skills minister Matthew Hancock, last year’s campaign resulted in 320 new apprentices. The organisers are hoping to top that figure in 2013.

100 in 100 2013: Statistics Update 2.8.2013

The latest statistics for the 100 in 100 2103 apprenticeships drive have been communicated to campaign supporters by Skills for Security.

The 100 in 100 campaign aims to place at least 100 new apprentices across the security sector between IFSEC International 2013 (which ran at the NEC in Birmingham from 13-16 May) and the Security Excellence Awards, which take place at the London Hilton Hotel, Park Lane on Wednesday 23 October.

The campaign is orchestrated by Skills for Security and CSL DualCom with support from the British Security Industry Association, the National Security Inspectorate, the Fire Industry Association, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board and – in its capacity as Media Partner – UBM Live’s Security and Fire Portfolio (organiser of IFSEC International and the Security Excellence Awards).

Importantly, the campaign is fully endorsed by skills minister Matthew Hancock.

The 2013 100 in 100 campaign logo

Last year’s campaign resulted in 320 new apprenticeships, and the aim is to beat that total in 2013.

Pleasingly, the latest statistics from Skills for Security are hugely encouraging. To date, 34 new apprentices have already been signed up (this time last year the corresponding figure was 23), and six appointments are booked for the next couple of weeks to sign up eight further apprentices.

At present, 108 companies have expressed an interest in recruiting 148 apprentices.

This excellent news arrives hot on the heels of the Government’s plans to radically shake-up the UK’s apprenticeship funding framework in the wake of the Richard Review of Apprenticehips.

Taking on new apprentices is a great way of developing your security business. To find out more about employing an apprentice as part of the 100 in 100 campaign for 2013, call Skills for Security’s Customer Relations Team on 01905 744000

UK Government sets out radical plans to shake up apprenticeship funding

Employers could be funded directly to purchase the apprenticeship training they want as part of proposals announced today that are designed specifically to put businesses in the driving seat.

Business secretary Vince Cable has announced that the Government is consulting on funding reforms proposed by the entrepreneur Doug Richard. These will give employers freedom to choose the training that’s most relevant to the needs of the apprentices and their businesses, and which represents best value.

Business secretary Vince Cable

The Richard Review of Apprenticeships, published in November last year, looked at how apprenticeships in England can meet the needs of the changing economy.

Three options are being presented, but alternative models will also be welcome. The three proposals are:
• Direct Payment Model: businesses register apprentices and report claims for Government funding through a new online system, and Government funding is then paid directly into their bank account
• PAYE Payment Model: businesses register apprentices through a new online system and then recover Government funding through their PAYE return
• Provider Payment Model: Government funding continues to be paid to training providers, but they can only draw it down when they’ve received the employer’s financial contribution towards training

Doug Richard: comprehensive study of apprenticeships in the UK

Vince Cable said: “Employers are the best people to judge what training is worth investing in. These reforms will mean just that. It gives them the power to train their staff to make sure their skills are relevant to the company while choosing from the wide range of courses available.”

The coalition Government’s business secretary continued: “These measures are all part of the wider reforms the Government is making to the apprenticeship system. By putting quality ahead of quantity and giving the training that companies actually want, we’re helping to create jobs and support business.”

Making it easier for companies to take on apprentices

As well as consulting on long term measures to reform apprenticeships, the Government is also taking actions in the shorter term to make it easier for companies to take on an apprentice.

Companies with 1,000 employees or fewer can take advantage of a £1,500 Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) for another year, in turn helping SME-style businesses to take on an additional 35,000 young apprentices.

Latest figures show that almost 30,000 young people have been taken on under the current grant.

Skills minister Matthew Hancock commented: “Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and, by extending the £1,500 grant for a further year, we will give them the skills they need to grow and help 35,000 more young people into meaningful employment.”

Hancock went on to state: “Currently there are many examples of outstanding apprenticeships, but we want this to be the case every time so we are taking steps to make sure that they’re more rigorous and as responsive to the needs of employers and individuals.”

In conclusion, the skills minister explained: “By radically reforming the funding system we will allow employers to agree with training providers the content and price of training. This will ensure greater competition both on quality and on price.”

Matthew Hancock MP: the skills minister

Michael Davis, CEO of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, has also made a statement on today’s announcement.

“The labour market has seen a long-term decline in the number of entry level jobs,” said Davis, “and, critically, there are too few good jobs for young people. Apprenticeships are a proven way of delivering highly productive, well trained and loyal staff, access to a successful career for young people and strong benefits for the exchequer and the economy as a whole. Yet only 15% of UK employers offer them.”

Davis added: “The Commission’s perspective is that we must return apprenticeships to their founding principle – a contract between the apprentice and the employer, valued and funded as such.”

To help increase take-up among employers even further, the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has launched a new film. ‘How to Hire an Apprentice’ features on Apprentice.TV and guides employers through the process of recruiting.

In addition Jason Holt, a small business and training academy owner, has also been appointed as an Apprenticeships Ambassador to encourage smaller businesses to take on an apprentice.