Despite the ubiquitous presence of security personnel on the high street, it is hard to believe that the security industry is lacking in its ability to attract young, innovative professionals to our industry, wrties John Roddy, pictured, Chief Executive of The Shield Group.
It is rather disappointing to think that many young people do not often see the security professional as a viable route to a successful career in spite of the many opportunities that are available within it. Perhaps the issue does not lie with young people snubbing the industry for a more traditional profession but the fact that opportunities available are a little better advertised to attract young talents with the prospect of training and advancement. This is true for professions such as engineering, construction and business administration where young people without a degree are provided with the right tools to flourish.
In other countries such as Germany, the government encourages employers to offer apprenticeships and makes it easier for young people to choose a path that best suits them. This is all done without too much disparity between those holding a degree and those with vocational qualifications.
Following the announcement that the government is to introduce a “UCAS-style, one-stop online shop” for 16-year-olds who do not want to go to university, it is clear that attitudes towards apprenticeships here in the UK are shifting. Also, initiatives undertaken by leading employers and the government are really starting to build momentum.
A report published by the National Apprentices Service (NAS) on the 12th of February, revealed that apprenticeships are growing in popularity amongst both employers and young people. The report revealed a 24 per cent increase in apprenticeship vacancies posted online on the National Apprenticeship Service website between August and October 2013 compared to the same period from the previous year.
What is not clear is how many of these vacancies can be attributed to the security industry. The Shield Group, which offers around 12 to 15 positions per year, is one of a few companies in the industry to do so. The industry must make consented efforts to do more because it will help address the growing skills shortage threatening the industry. Furthermore, apprenticeships help employers tap into an inflow of new skills which can then cascade through the existing workforce. According to the UK-based research body Populus, 76 per cent of British companies say apprentices provide a higher level of productivity, whilst 81 per cent say that they help boost the productivity of the whole company.
The training provided will also help motivate employees as it signals that their employers are willing to invest in the workforce, which, in turn, creates a positive atmosphere of trust. Apprenticeships provide a company with a pool of skilled employees from which managers and senior executives can be internally recruited in the long run.
However, a Department for Business Innovation and Skills report suggests many firms still consider training and investing in young people, who are sometimes unproven talents, to be a risk rather than an opportunity despite studies suggesting the opposite.
The security industry cannot afford to drag its feet in recognising the benefits of apprenticeships. We are facing a worsening skills shortage even though many companies are hiring and the industry is poised for robust growth. We need to source people with the appropriate skill-set which apprenticeships can help us achieve. The need for these new entrants will become clearer as time goes on due to the aforementioned issues facing the sector.
About John Roddy
He’s Chief Executive of The Shield Group – visit www.theshieldgroup.com
