TCS Training Ltd among many others provide SIA licence-linked qualifications in all security sectors as stipulated and governed by the awarding bodies and the SIA, but is this enough to prepare the students to conduct their duties? asks Mike Payne, Managing Director of the Canary Wharf-based training company, pictured.
Anybody that is a veteran within this industry knows that the industry and the role of the operative has changed dramatically and that the importance of further knowledge and courses is paramount. Clients are now asking for more from the operatives than ever. The consequences of the reduction in the emergency services’ numbers are fast becoming the norm. Individuals that are new to the industry, subject to the licence-linked course being delivered correctly, gain the basic knowledge to obtain an SIA licence and complete their job role; however, there is a need for extra knowledge at this stage, which unfortunately is not a mandatory requirement. The biggest factor is the financials, of both student and the training provider. No longer do students look at attending courses from reputable companies and instructors but look for the cheapest course and do not consider the benefit of extra modules. Similarly from a company’s perspective, there is fierce competition in prices, making it harder them to cover costs let alone make a profit.
Regulation of trainers
The awarding bodies, of which there are many, do a very good job in regulating the training industry and confirming that the trainers are correctly qualified and have the required knowledge, but does an experienced security operative make a good instructor? There are many good trainers out there in the security industry that all warrant standing up in front of students delivering courses with the knowledge they have gained, but unfortunately this does not mean that the correct information has been given. For example a three-year door supervisor with the correct teaching qualifications can teach a door supervision course, but what if that trainer was a non-effective operator or if they had jumped from one company to another through malpractice?
In this case does the student get the correct information to complete the role of a door supervisor and does the company they gain employment with get a licenced operative with the required knowledge and represent the company the way they should? There have also been many cases in the media and from speaking to operatives where it has come apparent that students are given the answers to the tests by the tutors, to keep their pass rates high. I think that if the tutor has delivered the content correctly, students should have this foundation. If they still are not able to pass the tests, they should simply not hold a licence.
Company responsibilities
A security operative represents the security company as well as the client that they have the contract with. Millions of pounds may be spent by the client to ensure that their internal staff are trained correctly and represent the brand in the way it is intended. Unfortunately there is not always continuity from the security company, meaning that contracts are won and lost due to the operatives rather than the management of that contract. This should start from the recruitment process of the company where every potential candidate should be tested for their ability and knowledge.
TCS Training Ltd put this to the test with current licence holders of between one and five years who were assessed using a basic knowledge test on subjects covered in their initial training, with a pass mark of 80 per cent. Not one of them achieved the recommended pass mark.
So my question is this, how can these individuals conduct their role effectively and represent the company and client in a manner that is required? The simple answer is: they can’t.
Solution
Security companies should have a budget for training new and existing staff in a way that fits in line with their business strategy. By working with and using the expertise that a training provider can provide through bespoke training packages to fulfil their contractual obligations. The correlation between the security provider and training provider should be for a common goal, starting with providing the extra modules required, and assessing competency at recruitment stage and then further on-going annual training and assessment for operatives. TCS Training Ltd has done this with its clients, by working together and ensuring that the staff are given further modules such as customer service and first aid as well as providing these with annual refresher training through on-line and practical training.
Cost versus reward
There is always a cost implication to this; however, this cost will prove invaluable by increasing the retention rate of staff through investing and encouraging personal development and subsequently improving the reputation of the company, enabling more contracts to be gained.
Visit www.tcstrainingcentre.co.uk.
