A contractor has unveiled a two-year training scheme, for apprentices; some are already recruited to work on contracts with Jones Lang LaSalle and UBS.
MITIE, the FTSE 250 outsourcing company, says that it’s building on its talent development culture by offering what it claims is the security sector’s first full-time apprenticeship scheme. Offered are practical training and study to give young people the opportunity to learn alongside operators.
Apprentices will learn about scheduling, administration, finance, front line security and understanding risk and management training. They will earn NVQs; Level 2 in the first year, and Level 3 in the second. The scheme is being run by MITIE’s total security management business alongside training provider, Skills for Security.
Bob Forsyth, pictured, managing director of MITIE’s total security management business said: “Our industry is at a crossroads and the typical image of security is changing. The traditional security officer role will need to evolve to become a more intelligence-led and analytical career.
“I wholeheartedly support [MITIE chief exec] Ruby McGregor-Smith’s passion to give talented young people a future and I’m certain that our programme will not only be a rewarding experience, but will identify talented individuals who will become future leaders in the security industry.”
The contract firm has already recruited apprentices for its contracts with Jones Lang LaSalle and UBS and says that the business is committed to building on this.
Jason Towse, MITIE’s people services managing director for MITIE’s security business added: “We will raise the bar on apprenticeships in the security industry to identify emerging leaders. Qualifications and assessment must be rigorous and give customers confidence in our apprentices.
“Having a clear vision of the outcome of the programme is key. What a person can actually learn and do at the end of their programme is critical to promoting apprenticeships as a credible career pathway.”
In 2005, in response to the lack of sustainable local talent, MITIE launched the Real Apprentice scheme, an operational programme specifically for unemployed young people in London. The Real Apprentice is available nationally to anyone over 18, regardless of their individual barrier to employment – homelessness, mental ill health, physical disability or single parenthood. The Real Apprentice mentors participants on raising their aspirations, to believe in better and to deliver the soft skills, essential to lifelong employment opportunities. To date 213 have completed the Real Apprentice, with 158 going into work.
Most recently, the firm has backed a campaign to boost training and jobs for unemployed adults by taking on 12 apprentices and raising £50,000 for City Gateway through employees’ sponsorship of ‘MITIE Revolution’. City Gateway helps NEET (not employed in education or training) young people and women in London, offering training, mentoring and opportunities for apprenticeships with leading companies.
