ARC Training has teamed up with a university to offer postgraduate work-based studies and academic awards in security management, up to and including a masters (MSc).
Delegates attending ARC Trainingโs Security Management Stage 1 (Core Skills), Stage 2 (Advanced Skills) and Stage 3 (Strategic Skills) courses will be awarded 20 university credits for each course, subject to assessment. A further 10 credits for each course can be earned upon completing work-based post course projects. By attending ARC courses a security manager can achieve half of the 180 credits required for a work-based learning Masters degree. David Cresswell, Managing Director of ARC Training, said: โWe are constantly looking for ways to innovate and provide our clients with greater value for money and return on investment. In being able to provide university credits at no additional charge to the existing course fee I believe we have something quite special. Moreover, this is in line with the SIA objective of a joined-up approach to security manager professional development, providing a range of qualifications, relevant and practical training and educational routes.โ From an employerโs perspective, the training firm adds, a benefit of the scheme is the way in which each accredited course has a link to the workplace. For example, post-course assignments and work-based projects require dialogue between the individual, the individualโs line manager and a subject matter expert from ARC Training or Middlesex Universityโs Centre for Criminology. The aim is to create a formal framework for the transfer of newly acquired skills and knowledge to the workplace. This is achieved by the delegate undertaking assessed workplace projects in accordance with pre-agreed action plans.
What they say
Stefan Hay, Managing Director of SITO, to which ARC Training is a STEPS partner, added: โSITO recognises that as the scope, diversity and importance of corporate security and risk management continues to grow, so the degree of professionalism expected from industry practitioners will increase. We believe that ARC Training International Limited through its International Academy for Security Management provides the perfect flexible blend of training and academic qualifications to meet the needs of security management professionals of the future.โ
Credits
The scheme began in May. Eleven ARC Training delegates, from almost as many different countries, have already embarked on a path to academic recognition. It is expected that this number will double by the end of the year as more delegates opt for accreditation. Initially the scheme will combine credits earned on specific ARC Training courses with those from work-based learning modules set directly by the university. As the scheme develops it is envisaged that other security management training providers will join and seek accreditation with Middlesex. Already, UK Chapter 208, ASIS International, plans to seek accreditation in 2006 for the CPP review programme and certification.
Welcome
Bill Wyllie, Chairman of The Security Institute, says: โTraining initiatives such as this must be welcomed. Not only do these courses develop the skills of security professionals and enable them to be more effective in their roles, but they also enhance the profile of the profession itself and position its practitioners to be recognised as serious players in the corporate environment.โ
Approach
Nigel Carpenter, Deputy Head of Security, BP, says: โThere are many courses available to train managers in the specifics of pure security solutions, but what makes ARC Training International Ltd rise above its competitors is its holistic approach to dealing with business-driven security risk management issues. They are also an attractive service provider because they offer a linkage with academia which enhances the delegatesโ credibility as a security professional, both within their own organisation and the external market place. It is a win-win relationship for both sides.โ
About the trainers
Thames-Valley based ARC Training also offer courses in fraud and investigations, maritime security and security surveying; and one-day workshops in various risk and security management subjects, such as crisis management and information and IT security.
