Release date: 30th March 2010
Skills for Security, the sector skills body for the security industry is pleased to once again have a key role in the apprentice skills challenge taking place at IFSEC.
Now in its 37th year, IFSEC which takes place 10th-13th May at the NEC Birmingham, is the world's leading global annual security event, uniting over 25,000 security professionals with more than 600 world leading companies. The event offers a full spectrum of security products and services available both in the UK and worldwide and provides the ideal opportunity to network with like minded professionals.
The apprentice skills challenge, which takes place at stand 190, Hall 5, over the four days, provides apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills they have learnt and compete against their colleagues for top prizes. Participants work in pairs to commission an existing system in line with EN Standards, requiring critical assessment as well as installation skills.
This year the apprentice skills challenge is in association with Skills for Security, CSL Dual Com, SSAIB and the NSI. Each of these organisations feels passionate about apprentices and the importance that the apprenticeship programmes have on the systems sector. As well as being able to watch the apprentices test themselves against each other throughout the challenge, employees from each of these organisations, will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about employing an apprentice and what the apprenticeship programme entails.
One in five employers has hired more apprentices to help them through the tough economic climate, but why? Research undertaken on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service has shown that there are a number of business benefits to hiring an apprentice. These range from apprentices increasing productivity, to gaining competitive advantage from having highly skilled workers. David Greer, Skills for Security's Chief Executive, will also be highlighting some of the benefits to employers of hiring an apprentice, through a seminar taking place on Thursday 13th May, 1:45pm - 2:15pm in the seminar theatre in Hall 5.
IFSEC is worth a visit for anyone who works within the security industry and is free to attend, for further information on the apprentice skills challenge, or the seminar programme, please visit http://www.ifsec.co.uk/
