Over 1300 apprentices will be embarking on a new career in security following the success of this year’s 100 in 100 initiative, which was launched in May with the aim of recruiting 100 security apprentices in 100 days.
Led by Skills for Security – the sector skills body for the UK’s private security industry – and leading electronic security firm, CSL Dualcom, the 100 in 100 initiative has attracted a record level of interest, succeeding in the recruitment of a total of 1316 young apprentices across several disciplines of the security sector.
A total of 1084 apprentices have been recruited via the security guarding sector, with the remainder embarking upon security systems apprenticeships. The results of the scheme were announced during proceedings at the 2013 Security Excellence Awards, which were presented at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Wednesday 23rd October.
Jayne Sale, head of commercial services at Skills for Security, said: “Demand has been so high this year that two groups in our London-based college were over-subscribed, resulting in new groups being planned to start there in April of next year. In addition, two new training venues have come on board in Exeter and Essex, bringing the total number of venues to ten including Bromley, Chichester, Uxbridge, Exeter, Gloucester, Bradford, Preston, Newark, Birmingham and Hounslow.
“We are delighted with the results of this year’s initiative, and would like to thank all of the organisations who have supported us in our drive to attract the next generation of security professionals, ensuring that our industry continues to thrive well into the future.”
Among the organisations supporting the 100 in 100 initiative are the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), as well as industry inspectorates the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB). United Business Media (UBM) have also provided valuable press support throughout the initiative, as official media partner.
On the long-term value of apprenticeships, Simon Banks, group managing director of CSL Dualcom Group Limited and co-founder of 100 in 100, said: “Apprentice take-up continues to be outstanding, and we are pleased to see that the security sector is genuinely realising the value of apprenticeships. Companies are provided with a succession plan of reliable resource that’s bespoke to their business. The apprentice has a skill for life in a recession-resistant industry. This ultimately professionalises our industry, making it more desirable and rewarding for all.”
For those companies interested in recruiting an apprentice, there is still time to take advantage of the 100 in 100 scheme, with a number of courses starting in January. Contact Skills for Security’s Customer Relations team on 01905 744000 for details.
For more information about Skills for Security, visit www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk
