Paige Braun from guarding firm OCS became the first apprentice to complete the level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship. Paul Lawton-Jones, Managing Director at Mercury Training, pictured, played a pivotal role in the security trailblazer team’s work to develop the apprenticeship. As featured in the interview with Paul in the October edition of Professional Security Magazine, the apprenticeship provides a pathway for those looking to enter the private security sector, and not only school leavers; besides for employees looking to progress in their careers.
The apprenticeship has been three years in the making, involving work by Mercury, OCS and Highfield the exam awarding body. Paul Lawton-Jones said: “We are extremely proud to have been part of this historic moment, helping Paige to become the first learner in the country to achieve a distinction in the new Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship. This is a testament not only to Paige’s hard work and dedication but also to the commitment of our Mercury skills coaches at Mercury Training Services Ltd. It has been a privilege to work closely with the Trailblazer Group to help shape this security programme that sets a new standard for professional training in the security industry. We believe that this apprenticeship will pave the way for many more security operatives to excel and develop successful careers within this vital sector.”
As Mercury adds, this new apprenticeship offers a route to gain industry-recognised qualifications, with opportunities for individuals to acquire core security skills through funded programmes. It aims to address the demand for trained security people, given the shortages of workers in this field.
James Rockley, Business Development Manager at Highfield says: “We are delighted to have been the End Point Assessor for the first learner to go through the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship who achieved not only a passing grade but got a distinction. The learner has every right to be very proud of their achievement and I’m sure that the employer, OCS, and the training provider, Mercury Training Services ltd, are both thrilled by their success. Highfield has been working with the Trailblazer group for the Professional Security Operative for some time, and we know how much hard work and effort has gone into the development of the standard from everyone involved, especially the employers. We think that the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship is a good step in career development, and we hope that many more learners will find themselves succeeding within the security sector.”
Paige Braun who undertook the apprenticeship works in the north west of England. She said: “I found the course to be very interesting as it sparked debates and discussions between myself and colleagues. It has definitely enhanced my knowledge on why we follow certain procedures, laws and regulations. I feel that licensed people or people wanting to go into the security sector, would 100 per cent benefit from this course. Jayne was very friendly, supportive and easy to talk to. The process of booking my end point assessment as well as completing the exam, observation and professional discussion I found was simple. The assessor from Highfield was friendly and I felt at ease when undertaking the assessment.”
Tim Bowers, Apprenticeships and Funded Learning Capability Manager at OCS, says: “The announcement of all successfully completed apprenticeships is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our OCS colleagues’ achievements, but when the news comes through that one of our security apprentices had become the first in the country to complete End Point Assessment for the Level 2 Professional Security Operative standard, topped off with a distinction grade pass, understandably, the excitement levels increase a little!! Supporting our commitment to enhancing the Women in Security agenda, I am delighted for Paige and would encourage her to embrace this moment and reflect on her incredible achievement, one she should be immensely proud of.”
