WorldSkills UK LIVE in 2019 will pilot a fire and security sector competition at the annual careers and apprenticeships event, in the NEC Arena in Birmingham from November 15 to 17.
The competition sees over 500 of the best students and apprentices from across the country compete in vocational skills. The NEC will see the final stage of regional contests by training providers and colleges across the UK, including New College Lanarkshire, pictured. Banham Academy, Hopwood College, Belfast Met and South Eastern Regional College have also pledged to host regional rounds to find the most talented in the industry for WorldSkills and IFSEC’s Engineers of Tomorrow competitions.
David Scott, Curriculum and Quality Leader for Electronic Fire and Security at New College Lanarkshire is leader of the WorldSkills Fire and Security group. He said: “We are calling for support from industry partners to support the new WorldSkills competition, which will ensure the continued sustainability of the Fire and Security industry. We already have the support from a number of manufacturers and employers, including Texecom, CSL, Tavcom, EFT Group ltd, Engineers of Tomorrow Stakeholder group and IFSEC (UBM), and we are now calling on more to help us ensure we have the required support to hold a successful competition.
“This is a first time opportunity for our industry to be recognised on a national and international stage as a leading trade alongside the likes of electrical, joinery, plumbing and automotive. There is currently a skills shortage within the electronic fire and security industry, with many companies having difficulty recruiting both engineers and even young apprentices. This move into WorldSkills will help break down barriers in recruiting new young talent into the industry.”
To find out more contact David Scott; email [email protected].
