TDSi takes on first higher-level apprentice at Poole headquarters

Integrated security security manufacturer TDSi has unveiled trainee product engineer Oscar Johnson as the company’s first higher-level Apprentice. Johnson is currently studying for a Higher National Certificate at Bournemouth and Poole College for two years, but will continue as a degree apprentice for a further four years with a permanent role at TDSi running alongside his studies.  

TDSi’s managing director John Davies commented: “It’s great to welcome Oscar to TDSi. He’s the first candidate to take up a higher-level apprenticeship at the company. He’ll be a great asset to our development team as we ramp up product development and augment products in the GARDiS family and ecosystem.”

Davies continued: “The security industry is leading the way on the apprenticeship front, with initiatives through Skills for Security, and TDSi is excited about the energy and innovative thinking that apprentices bring to the table as our ‘Boomers’ retire.”

Oscar Johnson

Having studied engineering at college for the last year alongside his previous role in occupational health, 22-year-old Johnson is excited by his new role and the opportunities at TDSi. He stated: “This is a great opportunity for me and there’s so much variation and job rotation within my new role. I’m working within the development team, mainly alongside our product engineer Russell Marande, to gain valuable experience and training in this cutting-edge technology company.”

Johnson comes from nearby Bournemouth and has spent most of his life in the area, apart from a year living on the Gold Coast in Australia. With an eye on the future of technology, he’s excited to be joining a technology company which is helping to shape the future of security.

He concluded: “It’s fascinating finding out how TDSI is adapting towards the future and seeing what great new products will be released before they’re unveiled to the public. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me at TDSi.”

Tavcom Training celebrates 25 years of professionalising global security industry

Tavcom Training, the Linx International Group company providing accredited security systems training courses, is celebrating its 25-year anniversary. Since 1995, the company has trained and certified upwards of 50,000 learners in over 100 countries by way of its extensive portfolio of more than 100 classroom and online courses.

With the mid-to-late 1990s growth in the number of manufacturers producing security technology including CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and IP networking, there was a burgeoning demand for expert vendor agnostic training regarding the design, installation, management and use of these increasingly complex safeguarding systems.

As a result, Tavcom Training was founded by Mike Tennent to meet this need. Tennent rapidly established the company’s international reputation as being the benchmark for training excellence. Today, the pace of technical innovation is faster than ever and Tennent’s commitment to delivering relevant and high-quality training continues to be a significant factor in Tavcom’s ongoing success some 25 years later.

Kevin Matthew, operations director at Tavcom Training, recalled: “In 1995 there were training courses accredited by a variety of industry bodies, but no standardised vocational qualifications universally recognised by employers in the UK and overseas.”

A key milestone came in 2001 when Tavcom’s BTEC courses were accredited by the Edexcel Foundation. Matthew added: “This proved to be a game-changer for the security industry, with quantifiable and accredited qualifications available for the first time.”

Forging strong ties

The commitment to professionalising the industry and improving standards through recognised and accredited training has continued for 25 years, with Tavcom Training forging strong ties with the British Security Industry Association, the Security System and Alarms Inspection Board, the CCTV User Group/NASCAM, the National Security Inspectorate, Skills for Security and the Career Transition Partnership, as well as other certification bodies including City & Guilds.

The company has also taken the lead in other industry-defining initiatives, notably so the Register of Certified Technical Security Professionals. Launched in 2017 and managed by Tavcom, this professional public register recognises the competency of individuals fulfilling technical roles in the electronic security and fire sectors.

Tavcom continues to make significant long-term investments in its training provision, seeking out world-renowned subject matter experts and trainers, developing new courses in response to the changing requirements of security professionals and also the rapidly evolving technology accessible to them.

The business has also made significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art and future-proofed Training Centre in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, as well as opening a new facility in Shipley, West Yorkshire and delivering courses at a purpose-built Training Centre in Singapore.

Matthew observed: “One of the biggest transformations in terms of how we deliver training has taken place in the past few years, with demand for online courses growing exponentially. Our portfolio of accredited online security training courses, bite-size training and interactive courses enables practising security professionals to access the training and qualifications they need from anywhere in the world.”

Online education programme

Tavcom’s established online training programme has proven invaluable for many security professionals this year given restrictions on travel and national lockdowns imposed as a result of COVID-19. This has allowed many industry professionals to improve upon their knowledge and skills. Matthew concluded: “We’re immensely proud of our rich 25-year heritage. As the security market and technology continues to evolve and grow, Tavcom is committed to being a trusted and respected training partner for learners at every stage of their career, whatever their training needs, circumstances and requirements may be at any given moment.” 

Texecom sponsors new competition to raise awareness of apprenticeship opportunities in security and surveillance industry

Along with CSL and Hikvision, Texecom is sponsoring the new Electronic Security Systems Competition at this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE on 21-23 November at the NEC in Birmingham.

WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security launched the competition to raise awareness of apprenticeship and career opportunities in the security and surveillance industry.

Attracting over 70,000 visitors, WorldSkills UK LIVE is the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event. The event also hosts the national finals of the WorldSkills UK competitions which see the UK’s top apprentices and students compete to win Gold, Silver and Bronze in their chosen skill.

This year, for the first time, visitors to WorldSkills UK LIVE will be able to watch apprentices take part in the Electronic Security Systems Competition which has been designed to reflect the role of an electronic security engineer and the high standards that are expected within the industry.

“Texecom has been a long-standing supporter of engineering apprentice training within the security industry and we’re delighted to partner with WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security for the launch of this competition,” explained Clym Brown, Texecom’s marketing director. “Electronic security fundamentally protects people’s lives and livelihoods and, as such, is a very worthwhile endeavour for young people to consider as a career choice. This new competition will highlight the skills and innovation in the industry to a wider audience, as well as increasing the training level and knowledge base of electronic security apprentices already involved.”

As part of its commitment to helping the next generation of security engineers and installers adapt to the digital revolution, Texecom recently launched the Texecom Academy. Designed to help security professionals stay ahead of the digital curve, it redefines what it means to be a security professional by providing the skills, tools and mindset that will define the future of security for installers and their end customers.

“Funding to cease for Locksmith Apprenticeship” announces Skills for Security

Skills for Security has been officially notified that funding will cease for new starts on the Locksmith framework 571 from 1 December 2016. From this date, there will be no further starts.

Apprentices still completing their apprenticeship on this framework will continue to do so on their agreed funding arrangements, while their apprenticeship completion certificate can be claimed in the usual manner.

The UK Government has been making changes to apprenticeships with the approach for all new apprenticeships to be developed against employer standards.

Groups of employers (the ‘Trailblazers’) have been responsible for developing new apprenticeships and they’ve been working together to design apprenticeship standards and assessment approaches.

Skills for Security has been working with Trailblazer groups to develop new frameworks, and employers from the locksmith industry have recently met to submit their expression of interest in order to develop a framework to ensure there’s a locksmith apprenticeship going forward.

There’s no other apprenticeship for locksmiths. The current scheme has enabled learners to gain a recognised qualification, expand their knowledge and elevate industry standards.

Having a recognised qualification has made the industry more attractive to new recruits.

Employers must come forward to show their support to develop a new framework.

*If you would like to be involved with the development of the locksmith apprenticeship or join a Trailblazer group please contact Skills for Security via e-mail at: info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk or on (telephone) 01905 744000

“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/

Engineers of Tomorrow 2016: Call for Entries

The prestigious Engineers of Tomorrow annual competition is now open for the fire and security industry’s brightest young engineers to register their interest. Successful entrants will then be invited to pit their skills against each other in a live installation challenge at Europe’s largest security exhibition, IFSEC International, which takes place in June.

Each year, more than 50 apprentice engineers participate in pairs to complete a 90-minute live challenge on the busy exhibition floor at IFSEC International, where they are then assessed by a leading panel of judges from the security industry’s inspectorates, the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and points allocated based on performance in the various disciplines.

Heat winners and their employers will be invited to the prestigious Security and Fire Excellence Awards where the winner will be announced and awarded a £1000 cash prize.

Simon Banks, group managing director at CSL DualCom Group, commented: “The purpose of the Engineers of Tomorrow competition is to showcase the very best talent the security industry has to offer. It recognises the value of skills in our sector. For any security installer businesses who’ve invested in an apprentice, the competition is a great opportunity to promote their competency on a world stage.”

Apprenticeships for Fire and Security

Engineers of Tomorrow is part of Apprenticeships for Fire and Security, an initiative that places apprentices into careers in the security industry and supports their development.

Sponsored by IFSEC International, CSL DualCom, the NSI, the SSAIB and Skills for Security, the scheme has already helped launch 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.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three pairs of engineers, with a first prize of £1000 provided by CSL DualCom, the second prize (a £500 Red Letter Day) donated by the NSI  and, finally, a third prize of £300 supported by the SSAIB.

This year, IFSEC International will run from 21-23 June in 2016 at London’s ExCeL and will once again be presented as part of UBM EMEA’s Protection and Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information. In addition to IFSEC International, the series incorporates FIREX International, The Facilities Show, Safety & Health Expo and Service Management Expo.

To nominate yourself or a colleague and to gain more information about the Engineers of Tomorrow competition visit: www.ifsec.co.uk/EOT

Skills for Security Accreditation endorses quality training

Skills for Security Accreditation is endorsing quality training provision across the security industry both here in the UK and on the international stage, allowing employers to make informed decisions regarding their training. 

Accreditation is the formal recognition that ensures training is meeting the appropriate criteria for Best Practice and that it either meets or exceeds nationally recognised training standards.

Accreditation promotes accountability. It’s the ultimate measure of quality: a professional ‘Seal of Approval’ that assures clients and employees alike that the training they’re undertaking has met rigorous standards and is a genuine quality assured programme.

Skills for Security’s Accreditation endorses quality courses, training providers and trainers themselves as well as in-house training schemes for the security business sector, giving employers and individuals confidence that the training they’re considering has been approved by the skills body.

Terri Jones, director general at Skills for Security (pictured), explained: “Our accreditation scheme was developed in response to requests from employers and providers who were concerned about the quality of delivery of training within the private security industry. It’s our ambition to recognise excellent training and endorse it with the aim of increasing the availability and quality of training available to everyone who works in the security business sector both internationally and within the UK.”

Three-step process

Skills for Security’s Accreditation is a three-step process. Training is matched to National Occupational Standards which specify UK standards of performance that people are expected to achieve and the knowledge and skills they need to perform effectively (thus providing the evidence to providers, trainers, employers and learners that training is being delivered to the highest possible standards).

With accredited training, learners have the assurance of receiving a quality education as well as gaining recognition from employers.

Karimah Pedro from the Security Industry Authority has endorsed the programme. “We remain committed to improving standards in the private security business sector. That’s why we support Skills for Security’s Accreditation scheme to set a benchmark for security training.”

As a developer of National Occupational Standards for the security industry, Skills for Security is best placed to help identify any gaps in skills and knowledge. Whether it’s in-house training schemes or the development of trainers, Skills for Security will help provide sustainable solutions in order to certify that quality is being maintained.

Accreditation from Skills for Security not only endorses quality, but also actively boosts the reputation of training and sets a benchmark for it.

*Contact Skills for Security on (tel) 01905 744000 or at: accreditation@skillsforsecurity.org.uk for further information

Countdown begins to UK locksmithing and physical security industry’s biggest Trade Expo

The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is set to host Europe’s largest trade exhibition for the locksmithing and physical security industry. From 2-4 October, suppliers and manufacturers will meet visitors from all over the world at the International Centre in Telford.

The theme of this year’s MLA Expo is ‘Tomorrow’s Locksmithing Today’. This is designed to help encourage and develop a future generation for the historic profession.

Nearly 100 exhibitors have already signed up for the biennial event, which sees locksmiths meet with suppliers, exhibit their products and services, discuss industry trends and take part in training courses.

MLA development director Dr Steffan George said: “MLA Expo is a truly global exhibition involving people from within the locksmithing industry. 2015 marks the event’s eighteenth incarnation and is set to be the biggest yet.”

George added: “MLA Expo is one of the most anticipated events in the security industry’s calendar, offering a fantastic opportunity for locksmithing and security companies and professionals from around the world to come together. They can showcase their products and services, network, share knowledge and make new contacts.”

Dr Steffan George of the MLA

Representatives from the police service, the insurance industry and Neighbourhood Watch will also be at the sold-out event along with newly-qualified apprentices as the MLA strives to secure the future of the industry and ensure locksmithing is seen as a potential career.

ASSA Abloy – one of the world’s biggest supplier of locks and security solutions – has joined forces with the MLA and Skills for Security (the skills body for the security sector) to support an apprenticeship scheme. The locksmith apprenticeship was set up in January last year with a view to generating the first nationally-recognised qualification for the locksmith sector, as well as securing its future by encouraging more young people to consider locksmithing as a profession.

The MLA was established over 50 years ago to set and promote standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing. The organisation is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by the police service, the Home Office and other leading organisations such as the British Standards Institution.

As a not-for-profit association, the MLA ensures its member companies undergo strict vetting procedures such that members of the public, the Government and industry receive the appropriate service and advice.

The MLA’s members share the ethos that ‘skill and integrity’ remain paramount in locksmithing and are able to provide sound advice based on knowledge and experience.

*For a list of approved MLA companies visit www.locksmiths.co.uk

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

Valerie Dale joins Securitas as Human Resources director

Securitas has announced the appointment of Valerie Dale as the company’s new Human Resources director who will support the business in achieving its strategies for growth and commercial success.

Dale joins Securitas from G4S Secure Solutions (UK) and brings over 20 years’ Human Resources (HR) experience to the role, 14 of which have been spent in HR management positions.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Dale will be responsible for the overall HR strategy at the company. Having worked in the security sector for over six years now, Dale has helped to develop industry standards.

Valerie Dale: HR director at Securitas

Speaking about the appointment, Brian Riis Nielsen (Country President at Securitas and managing director for the UK and Ireland operation) said: “We’re really pleased to have Valerie on board. She will be a key service provider and, along with her team, will consistently support the business to attract, retain, motivate and develop our people such that they can achieve their maximum potential and provide an exceptional service to our customers.”

Autonomy, accountability and innovation for employees

Dale herself commented: “Securitas has a very well respected reputation in the industry and, following his success in Denmark, Brian’s appointment means that we have a clear security solutions strategy and a structure that enables autonomy, accountability and innovation for our employees to deliver that strategy.”

Dale continued: “We’re hoping to expand on the company’s already well-established training and development programmes and ensure an overall HR strategy that’s in tune with the business’ philosophy. We’ll also continue to work closely with industry bodies such as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Skills for Security and the Security Industry Authority.”

In a pro bono capacity, Valerie Dale is the vice chair of the BSIA’s HR Committee, a non-executive Board director at Skills for Security and the chair for its Security Guarding Sector Consultation Group.

“I’m really looking forward to being a key part of making Securitas successful through its people, systems and processes,” concluded Dale. “There are lots of initiatives in all three areas that we can implement in order to achieve this.”