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Security sector skills and unemployment tackled as part of National Apprenticeship Week

With a double-dip recession on the cards and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) forecasting that an extra 750 000 people are set to join the ranks of the long-term unemployed, it is overwhelmingly obvious that sector training skills and employment opportunities need to be focused on the young. As such IFSEC International (www.ifsec.co.uk), the world’s leading annual security event, is supporting National Apprenticeship Week (6-10 February) with the launch of Engineers of Tomorrow – The UK Apprentice Skills Challenge.

Catering for the next generation of security engineers, Engineers of Tomorrow - The UK Apprentice Skills Challenge sponsored by CSL Dualcom, in association with Skills for Security, Texecom, SSAIB and NSI (National Security Inspectorate), is set to return to IFSEC International (14- 17 May 2012, NEC Birmingham).

Mark Cunningham at Skills for Security said, “It is essential to encourage businesses to seize the opportunity to tap into the pool of readily available young talent by recruiting and training young people in readiness for the economic upturn.

“During National Apprenticeship Week we would like to remind potential employers that there is funding available to help them train young people and taking on apprentices is a positive way to access this and position your business for the future.  Apprentice Installers are the future of this industry and we should do everything possible to encourage them to attain and uphold the highest professional standards.”

Charlie Cracknell, event director for IFSEC International, said, “At a time of record youth unemployment, IFSEC International is proud to endorse Engineers of Tomorrow – The UK Apprentice Skills Challenge for 2012. With approximately 500 000 people currently employed within the security sector the work being done to encourage young people into the security profession is extremely significant; however, as National Apprenticeship Week recognises, there is still ample opportunity for further improvements.

As part of the four day challenge, security apprentices, working in pairs, will showcase their skills by taking part in a number of exercises that test their competencies alongside their mental and physical capabilities. Throughout the challenge, participants will be required to carry out a fault-finding exercise before re-commissioning an existing system in line with EN standards. In line with the changing landscape of security, the Challenge will also include an element of critical assessment and a demonstration of installation skills. 

The winning pair will share a cash prize of £1000, with first, second and third place honoured at the Security Excellence Awards at Hilton Park Lane, London on the evening of 17 October 2012.

For further information on IFSEC International 2012, its features, or to register for free entry to the event, please visit www.ifsec.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @IFSEC and join our LinkedIn group for the latest information.

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