Across the next six months, G4S will recruit around 10,000 security staff to work at the London 2012 Games this coming summer. It’s a mammoth operation – the biggest paid recruitment drive this century, in fact.
The many thousands of bespoke roles are providing much-needed jobs and opportunities for UK job seekers, with G4S recruiting from a broad range of backgrounds, ages and experience levels.
Already there have been applications from more than 20,000 hopeful recruits, many of them from the Greater London region.
In practice, candidates will be asked to attend an interview at the Recruitment Centre where they will be put through a rigorous screening and vetting procedure before their application is submitted to LOCOG for subsequent accreditation.
The Recruitment Centre – which was officially opened at 9.00 am today – will also serve as a training facility where new recruits will be put through their paces and provided with role-specific education to ensure they’re fully prepared for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Working in partnership
Mark Hamilton, the managing director of G4S’ Olympic and Paralympic Games security operation and Paul Deighton – chief executive of the Games’ Organising Committee, LOCOG – attended this morning’s launch event to explain how they’re collaborating to recruit the necessary workforce which will help to deliver a safe and secure Games.
“As London prepares to play host to the rest of the world, G4S is thrilled to be giving something back to the capital,” stated Mark Hamilton. “Our recruitment drive offers unique employment opportunities to thousands of Britons, allowing them to get closer to the excitement and play an important role in delivering a safe and secure London 2012 Games.”
Hamilton went on to state: “In addition, our training will provide successful applicants with a professional security services qualification that can kick-start their careers in the sector post-2012.”
During the London Games, G4S employees will carry out a variety of security-specific tasks including bag and vehicle searching.
Paul Deighton added: “This recruitment drive offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for Londoners to take part in a world class event and is a great way of bringing jobs to London and the UK.”
Since the start of the Olympic and Paralympic test events in July, G4S has helped to ensure the smooth running of several gatherings focused on – for example – basketball, sailing and archery.
What are G4S looking for in new recruits?
G4S is actively looking for keen, reliable staff members preferably with customer service experience.
This opportunity is open to anyone as the company will provide all the training an individual needs to succeed. Experience is beneficial, but as long as applicants can demonstrate an ability to remain calm under pressure, think quickly on their feet and exhibit good people skills then G4S would like to hear from them.
In addition, applicants should have:
- the ability to demonstrate experience of delivering customer service
- a good standard of verbal and written English communications (ideally candidates will already hold a GCSE A-C or an NVQ at Level 2 or above)
- eligibility to work in the UK
- five-year verifiable work/educational history
- the ability to work shifts
Necessarily, working as a security officer means that all candidates will need to commit to training and be available for work throughout the Games as they’ll play a vital role in keeping everyone safe and secure.
For further information on G4S’ job opportunities at London 2012 visit Securing London 2012.com and/or this website