The Apprentice Installer Awards recognise and reward the high standards of service and professionalism demonstrated by apprentices working in the security industry.
From a strong selection of entries in 2011, the following winners were selected…
The overall winner of this year’s Apprentice Installer Awards is Mathew Pickles of Advanced Security Systems. Mathew joined the industry following a successful work placement while in school that led to an immediate job offer upon completion of his studies. This young apprentice has shown ambition and tenacity and is now on the right path to achieving his objective of becoming installations director by his early 30s. He has been praised by lecturers, superiors and peers alike for his likeable and reassuring personality, combined with a strong work ethic and can-do attitude.
Speaking about Mathew’s award, Trevor Robins – managing director at Advanced Security Systems (UK) – told Info4Security: “Over the past few years that Mathew has been at Advanced Security Systems we have totally changed our views on apprentices. Although we have invested in the various schemes available, we have never seen them produce the calibre of technician that we see in Mathew.”
Robins continued: “Some might say that Mathew is a natural, but that’s not true. Although Mathew has a good degree of natural ability and a good practical head on his shoulders, by no means has he had it easy. He has achieved the level of skill and professionalism that he has through sheer hard work and dedication. I have seen Mathew struggle with things and sometimes not get them quite right, but he simply asks to be pointed in the right direction and goes on to master the job.”
In conclusion, Robins stated: “The future is bright for Mathew. All that he needs now is to gain the experience that goes hand-in-hand with his chosen career. We’re all extremely proud of Mathew, and wish him all the best for the future.”
Elite of the security industry’s apprentices
Matthew Broughton of Chubb Fire and Security received an Apprentice Installer Award for his enthusiasm and knowledge of the industry and standards, which is well in excess of that expected from an apprentice.
He has become a valued member of the Newcastle branch team, and has developed excellent customer service skills. This means he never shies away from becoming a customer’s main point of contact before, during and after the installation of a system (be it based on intruder alarms, access control or CCTV).
Christopher Dawson of Crozet Alarms won his award for demonstrating a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry, and for his ability to relate real working examples to what he has learned on his course.
Throughout his apprenticeship he has carried out a number of intruder alarm and CCTV installations, and has demonstrated the ability to work well both in a team and individually. Moreover, his lecturers have praised his professionalism and commitment to his studies on a number of occasions.
Commenting on the 2011 Apprentice Installer Award, James Kelly – the BSIA’s chief executive – said: “These awards recognise the elite of the security industry’s apprentices and are a tribute to the dedication of the new blood of our industry. Each of this year’s winning apprentices has demonstrated extreme commitment to their career in the security industry, and the BSIA is honoured to acknowledge their achievements. I offer my sincere congratulations to each of the winners who should accept these accolades with great pride.”
The awards were presented by Lynne Featherstone MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal Information, at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon (held this week at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane).
The BSIA would like to thank Selectamark Security Systems plc for their kind sponsorship of these awards
Security industry praises courageous Cash-in-Transit couriers
Four valiant Cash-in-Transit couriers have been recognised by the BSIA with Special Awards for Outstanding Service.
The awards, sponsored by Security Plus, acknowledge particularly courageous actions or commendable behaviour displayed by couriers during the course of their duties.
The couriers who have been rewarded in 2011 are as follows:
Thomas Booth of G4S Cash Solutions (UK) was honoured for the heroism he displayed when attacked during a service to a bank in Lincolnshire.
He was exiting the bank with the fourth cash bag for consignment to his vehicle when a criminal armed with a hammer attacked him in an effort to steal the bag.
Discounting the harm to himself, the BSIA’s winner called for help and did not surrender the box, despite suffering a number of blows to his right arm.
Faced with the uncompromising resistance of this officer, the attacker later fled the scene in a vehicle driven by an accomplice.
Thomas’ actions resulted in a nil financial loss for the customer, and in good forensic evidence being obtained from the criminals’ vehicle which was later found by the police.
Stewart Bowes and Mark Byatt, also of G4S Cash Solutions (UK), were both attacked while carrying out an ATM replenishment.
The pair noticed a suspicious individual pretending to be using an ATM, and wearing a white surgical mask. Having been faced with a similar attack in the same place merely a year earlier, the officers recognised the danger at once, and were able to alert each other and prevent the money from being stolen by re-enforcing the door to the ATM to prevent the attacker from accessing the money.
The attacker therefore ran away empty handed.
The fearless actions of these two officers meant that no money was lost and help was called upon immediately.
Mark Elliott of Loomis (UK) showed a great deal of composure, foresight and bravery when attacked while carrying out an ATM replenishment service with a colleague.
The courier was transferring the final cash load from the CIT vehicle to the ATM room when an attacker ran at him.
Mark quickly threw the cash box into the ATM room and confronted the assailant, successfully restraining him on the floor.
The other courier on duty quickly retrieved the box and alerted the police. Upon arrival, the police arrested the attacker as well as his two accomplices, who had attempted to flee the scene after the first had been restrained.
Speaking about this year’s Special Awards for Outstanding Service, the BSIA’s chief executive James Kelly explained: “The Cash-in-Transit couriers who are receiving these awards have demonstrated outstanding bravery in their line of work. They have been faced with extremely violent and traumatic situations, and their ability to remain calm and level-headed is testament to both their training and strength of character.”
In conclusion, the Trade Association’s leader stated: “I applaud them for their actions and for being prepared to perform this essential public service in such a proficient manner.”
