People are the lifeblood of the private security industry, regardless of which sector might be in the frame for discussion. Without the scientists and technicians, we wouldn’t ‘create’ innovation. By the same equation, without the skilled installers that fit security systems we wouldn’t be able to provide a professional and reliable service to the customer.
With this in mind, BSIA members are committed to enhancing training in our industry and for ensuring that we can not only attract enthusiastic young people, but also provide them with a rewarding and fulfilling career. A career that builds on the high standards of the industry, at the same time maintaining and forging fundamental Stakeholder relationships which progress the sector.
Training has been shown to increase staff retention, motivation and loyalty in so many ways. Members of staff who benefit from training are more confident in dealing with situations, feel more empowered, feel valued by their employer and are more likely to be satisfied by their work.
Research has also shown that training staff can reduce the probabilities of employees leaving their jobs, and thereby increase the tenure of specific positions while at the same time reducing the cost of recruitment.
Investment in training and solid careers
If the security industry is to compete against others in attracting young talent, it has to invest in training and illustrate the fact that the industry can offer a full and varied career.
The BSIA’s Annual Apprentice Installer Awards demonstrate the dedication and talent that’s already being attracted into the industry, and showcases the high standards and professionalism of young apprentices.
Speaking about this particular awards scheme, Tim Geddes – the BSIA’s Security Systems Section chairman and also chairman of this year’s Judging Panel – commented: “Each year these industry awards recognise the huge strides young apprentices are making towards a successful career within the security industry. They demonstrate professionalism, commitment and vast potential in their roles so early on in their careers.”
Geddes added: “These awards not only demonstrate the high standards of these ambitious individuals, but also the tremendous support offered by the nominated companies and, indeed, the industry as a whole.”
For more information or to make a nomination for the BSIA Apprentice Installer Awards, contact Christine Brooks (BSIA Events Department) via e-mail: [email protected]
Working with the Career Transition Partnership
Having just published a new guide, the BSIA is also working closely with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to encourage service leavers into the industry.
The guide – entitled Secure Your Future – includes Case Studies on ex-service leavers that have forged successful careers in the security industry, and highlights a typical career path. Naturally, it also details the courses available via the CTP.
Daren Wood – the BSIA’s manager responsible for CTP liaison – explained: “The private security industry offers a wealth of opportunity for service leavers. With varied careers in security guarding, electronic security solutions, security consultancy and close protection, service leavers can use many of the transferable skills they’ve gained with the Armed Forces in their new career.”
Wood also told SMT Online: “CTP-qualified ex-service personnel are also an excellent resource for security companies looking to recruit suitably skilled new employees. Many BSIA members have already taken advantage of the Association’s relationship with CTP, leading to the recruitment of skilled individuals that have become real assets to their business.”
The view from the CTP
Liz Taylor, the CTP’s director of training, added: “The training received while serving in the Armed Forces, combined with the excellent personal qualities these men and women display, provides personnel ideally suited to the security industry.”
Taylor went on to state: “Service leavers attending the Resettlement Training Centre at Aldershot display a range of aptitudes fitting them for both the practical security installation courses delivered by experienced in-house staff, as well as managerial, close protection and consultancy training which is delivered in conjunction with a carefully selected training provider who shares its wide-ranging expertise and knowledge with the students.”
In conclusion, Taylor stressed: “As the success stories show, both the security industry and the service leaver benefit from our training.”
For more information on the work of the BSIA in tandem with the Careers Transition Partnership, click the link provided on the right hand panel of this page.
Showcasing the work of the Association: IFSEC 2009
Once again, the BSIA will host a prominent stand at UBM Live’s excellent IFSEC Exhibition as part of its desire to provide visitors with the very latest industry news.
As usual, there will also be the opportunity for overseas visitors to use the Association’s International Visitors Lounge, which acts as a hub for networking and a source of industry information.
This year sees the inauguration of a BSIA networking event aimed at potential members to showcase the work of the Association and the many benefits associated with membership. The event – which follows the launch of a Newsletter dedicated to potential members – affords a unique opportunity for attendees to meet colleagues and members of the BSIA staff.
Those members of staff will be on hand to answer any questions, while John Bates – the BSIA’s new chief executive – will also deliver a short presentation. Luncheon will be provided for attendees.
For anybody interested in this networking and information gathering opportunity, it will be held on Wednesday 13 May at the NEC on Stand C80 in Hall 4 between 11.30 am and 12.30 pm. If you wish to register your interest, please click on the dedicated link provided on the right hand panel of this page.
Alternatively, if you’re not able to attend, the BSIA’s regional managers are happy to answer any questions you might have. They can be contacted via e-mail at: [email protected] or [email protected]
The Big Issue (by Ashley Smith)
With recent reports of environmental protestors barricading themselves to an airport taxi-way, it becomes clear that airports need protection against the sheer scale of 21st Century security threats.
When flights from Aberdeen Airport were delayed as a result of a security breach earlier this month, the action was deemed dangerous and highly irresponsible, but intrusions in vulnerable areas such as the perimeter away from an airport’s hub are often difficult to detect.
That said, advances in the sophistication, reliability and competitive pricing of security systems – combined with improved integration between different equipment manufacturers – offers an effective solution.
One of the perceived weaknesses of a large site can be transformed into a potential strength, in terms of its ability to provide early warning of suspicious behaviour, for example along a perimeter fence – before an unwelcome visitor can reach their target.
The physical distances involved can be used to the site’s advantage by way of a mixture of detection, monitoring equipment and security guarding responses.
Towards an holistic security systems environment
An holistic security systems environment will involve different types of protective equipment communicating collectively to contribute more than the sum of their parts. For instance, CCTV cameras on automatic area ‘tours’ will immediately react to the opening of a vehicle barrier by instantly refocusing on this area and triggering the digital recording of the event for subsequent identity validation or prosecution purposes.
With the very real danger of terrorist attacks a continuing issue, as well as the risk of protests (however peaceful in nature they may be), security managers must consider how an holistic approach to security can protect against such incursions.
There certainly has been a number of advances in the sophistication and reliability of security systems in recent years which, combined with improved integration between different types of equipment, as well as more effective interaction with security staff, now collectively offer effective security solutions.
Members of the BSIA’s Civil Aviation Security Section provide a range of effective systems-based solutions, as well as the trained and skilled manpower to both implement and manage them.
Ashley Smith is chairman of the BSIA’s Civil Aviation Security Section
For more information on the work of the Civil Aviation Security Section, click the dedicated link provided on the right hand panel of this page.
