Apprentices Max Wheeler, Ben Reddington and Jason O’Reilly were presented with Apprentice Installer Awards by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) at the association’s annual luncheon in London.
The apprentices were selected as award winners in recognition of their academic and practical success in the field of electronic security installations.
Awarded by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the trade body for the UK’s private security sector, the Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognise the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices involved in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination of these systems, and represent the commitment of security companies and training bodies in providing young talent with the opportunity to succeed in the security industry.
The overall winner for the 2016 awards is Max Wheeler, pictured left, with Chris Moon, the event speaker. Max, 21, a second-year apprentice working for Chubb Fire & Security in Coventry. Max was nominated by Chubb Fire & Security’s Apprenticeship Programme Manager, Jim McSharry, for his drive and enthusiasm, alongside his natural aptitude for engineering. Max has been commended for continually showing a willingness to stretch himself, to gain new knowledge and to reach his goals early. He has already completed all of his Level 2 field assessments successfully and is now eager to start at Level 3.
Max has already made himself a valuable member of the team at Chubb Fire & Security, the firm reports, and he has received regular praise from all of the staff that he has worked with, many of which request Max’s attendance on their jobs. Max has also received positive feedback from his NVQ assessor, as well as other company trainers, and has been recognised as someone who is determined to be ‘best in class’.
Max said: “My dad contracted for a security company where I also worked for some time – my first taste of the industry, which I really enjoyed. To be nominated by my colleagues at the Coventry Branch was a real honour, a sign that the company is keen to invest in its young people. The support from the training provider, Training 2000 in Blackburn, and the company has been fantastic. To win is proof that I can accomplish all that I strive to achieve in everything I do. This award is a great boost to my career and future positions within the business.”
Two runners-up also received recognition; Ben Reddington of Kings Security Systems and Jason O’Reilly of Fidelity Integrated Systems.
Ben Reddington, 22, is a third year apprentice who has been brought up within the security industry. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ben has a real flair for IP and access control. Ben has been commended for his willingness to go above and beyond to excel and perfect everything that he undertakes. He is highly attentive in the classroom and is a willing contributor on the job, who applies himself diligently and with great enthusiasm.
Jason O’Reilly, 19, is a third year apprentice who developed an interest in completing an apprenticeship after taking part in work experience at Fidelity Integrated systems whilst at school. Since starting his apprenticeship, Jason has been very keen and willing to develop his skills, taking every opportunity to further his knowledge. Jason has become an integral part of the team and has been commended for his professionalism and dedication to his role as an installation engineer and also his willingness to help other divisions such as the service department.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, says: “We are all well aware that in today’s challenging job market many young people may feel that a long term career is out of their reach. As such, the BSIA and its members fully support the development of apprenticeships which offer positions to young people who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge in the security industry, allowing them to ultimately develop long-term careers in the sector.
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to recognise the outstanding talent displayed by our young apprentices, and I would like to congratulate all three of today’s winners on their achievements. They have all exhibited exceptional qualities throughout their apprenticeships, and no doubt have very bright futures within our industry.”
This year, the Apprentice Installer Awards have been sponsored by Eaton. Tony Walsh, Vice President of Engineering and Business Leader Eaton Security, said: “As a business, Eaton Security places a high priority on training and development and are therefore proud to sponsor this award which recognises the achievements of installer apprentices.”
The BSIA thank Eaton for sponsoring these awards.
