Four apprentices from the UK’s private security industry were presented with national awards 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’s Apprentice Installer Awards serve to recognise the achievements of Level Two and Level Three apprentices in the installation of alarms, CCTV, access control or a combination.
The overall winner of this year’s Apprentice Installer Awards is Darrell Gilmour, pictured 19, of Kings Security Systems. Presenting the award was Surveillance Camera Commissioner Tony Porter. Darrell’s in his third year of studies. Darrell’s passion for security runs in the family, with his father, uncle and aunt also employed within the sector. He was nominated for this award by New College, North Lanarkshire, where his methodical, conscientious workmanship has impressed his lecturers. Meanwhile, working full-time at Kings, Darrell has set the bar high for future apprentices, with a manager from the business commenting: “Kings are taking on new apprentices, and Darrell will be an ambassador for Scotland in providing a role model for the new recruits. He is an asset to Kings and a valued apprentice to the business.”
Tom Parker of VSG received a national award for turning his fascination for technology into a career, already having worked on large-scale installations for high-profile clients including Macquarie Bank, London South Bank University and Lloyds of London. Selected to work alongside one of VSG’s leading technical engineers, 19-year-old Tom has already achieved the minimum level required to pass his college course and is taking more modules while spending his spare time practising his work on a range of products.
Nathan Sefton of Chubb Fire & Security won his award for demonstrating a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry, and for his methodical, level-headed approach to problem-solving. Already a point of contact for other engineers, Nathan excelled on a large project, where his documentation for over 30 sites was error-free and met strict deadlines. Nathan, 21, was selected to travel to Denmark in 2013 as part of Skills for Security’s Leonardo project.
Aaron Noble of Kings Security was selected for a national award after his nomination by company Managing Director, Anthony King. With an ambition to become lead engineer by his mid-30s, Aaron, 21, has demonstrated an excellent understanding of theory and practical work. He already has experience of running complex jobs on-site and continually out-performs other apprentices of his age.
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 four 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 are again sponsored by Pyronix, whose Chair and Chief Executive, Julie A Kenny CBE DL, says: “As the cost of university education has increased dramatically in the last few years, there has never been a better time for the security industry to appeal to the younger generation who want to work, develop a career and earn money.
“As an industry, we need to highlight the opportunities available and target keen young applicants prepared to influence our industry. Brought up in the ‘permanently connected age’, these apprentices have the user experience to push and assist with the transformation of technologies in our industry that customers will be demanding. We at Pyronix are therefore delighted to be sponsoring the ‘Apprentice Installer Awards’, as we believe their input will be invaluable to help installers drive and control customer driven technologies into the intruder market within the next few years.”
Winners were presented with their awards by Guest of Honour, Baroness Smith of Basildon, Shadow Home Affairs Minister for private security, at the association’s annual lunch on July 16, hosted at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The BSIA thank Pyronix Ltd for their kind sponsorship of these awards.
