Security companies are being encouraged to submit nominations for this year’s British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Apprentice Installer Awards ahead of the final deadline of Friday, April 11.
Open to second and third year apprentice installers from across the security industry, the Apprentice Installer Awards recognise emerging talent and will be presented in a ceremony at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon on July 16 at the London Hilton on Park Lane.
Nominations are welcome from security companies which have been certified for their activities by a UKAS accredited certification body, although individuals can also be nominated by the college where they are studying. Apprentices are eligible if they are involved in the installation of alarms, access control, CCTV or a combination of these systems.
Last year’s winners, Ryan Jenkins, 23, and Jack Finley, 17, pictured, were chosen for their technical ability and dedication to learning, with both delivering service to the customer while demonstrating the drive, ambition and commitment to their studies required to succeed in a career in security. They were presented with their awards by Commander Steve Rodhouse, Commander for Gang and Organised Crime for the Metropolitan Police, at the trade association’s annual lunch in central London in 2013.
This year, the Apprentice Installer Awards are once 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.”
Simon Banks, Founder of the 100 in 100 apprentice drive and Group MD for CSL DualCom, says: “Apprenticeships are crucial for nurturing future expertise. Employer engagement is critical if we are to increase the numbers of apprentices in our sector. By refreshing the talent pool in their businesses, employers can ‘grow their own’ loyal employees with skill sets tailored for a lasting career within the professional Security Sector. Investing in an apprentice ensures a bright future for their company. Initiatives like 100 in 100 and the recognition provided by the BSIA Apprentice Installer Awards are so important to help reboot and inspire young people and their potential employers.”
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, adds: “The BSIA and its members are proud to support the development of apprenticeships within our industry, acknowledging the important role played by these schemes in offering positions to young people who wish to gain practical skills and knowledge alongside a recognised qualification.
“The calibre of nominations for these awards is always exceptionally high, so much so that we were unable to choose between our two joint winners in 2013. I would encourage all companies – large and small – to nominate their outstanding apprentices for 2014’s awards and in doing so, support them in the continuation of their dedication to a career in security.”
A nomination form can be downloaded from the BSIA’s website: http://www.bsia.co.uk/app/images/awards/AppInstForm2014.doc
