Minister opens new Skills for Security Technical Training Centre

24 Nov 09

Ian Austin MP, the regional minister for the West Midlands, has officially opened the new Skills for Security Technical Training Centre in Birmingham.

By Brian Sims

The Training Centre caters for apprentices who are studying to become qualified fire or security installation and maintenance engineers. Already, 57 young adults have been enrolled to study at there, each of whom receives additional practical training in the workplace from their employer.

Having officially opened the Training Centre in front of senior representatives from the British Security Industry Association and the Fire Industry Association, as well as key employers, the minister was then given a guided tour of the facilities.

Austin grabbed the opportunity to speak to some of the apprentices who, depending upon the level of qualification they’re seeking, attend on either a day release or block release basis for two or three years.

Declaring the Training Centre open for business, Austin duly reiterated the Government’s stated commitment to raise the skills of the UK’s workforce. He recognised the security systems sector’s contribution to that aim. “I welcome the fire and security industries’ investment by offering young adults in the West Midlands the opportunity to become the skilled installation and maintenance engineers of the future through the Skills for Security apprenticeship programme,” said Austin.

Employers can make a real difference

The minister urged companies to play their part in raising skills and creating opportunities for young people: “Organisations both large and small can make a difference,” he urged. “Just one work experience place or apprenticeship can give a young person the chance to build a career.”

All training is provided free of charge and, speaking at the event, David Greer – the popular and highly astute chief executive at Skills for Security – said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent method by which systems companies can build a highly skilled workforce for no additional cost. That has to be hugely beneficial, particularly in the current economic climate when companies need to be preparing to take advantage of the additional business that will result from the upturn.”

Greer concluded: “We’re extremely pleased to be able to offer this assistance to our employers by way of the Technical Training Centre, and are very grateful to the minister for his support. We hope that this will be the first of a network of Skills for Security Technical Training Centres for apprentices.”

Further information about Skills for Security’s apprenticeship programme can be found by visiting the website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page) or by calling Customer Services on 08450 750111