Over the last six years, SITO, working closely with employers, local colleges and funding agencies, has established a network of regional training co-operatives to deliver the Modern Apprenticeship within the systems sector, writes Noel Sargent, Manager National Training Programmes, SITO.
At the start many said it would not work and, over the years, some have said the network cannot be sustained. Well, as in the words of the song, "We're still here"!
In fact 2003 has seen a record number of apprentices joining the scheme … 30 per cent more than last year.
SITO has also been awarded one of the new rolling three year contracts by the LSC, an achievement which adds unheard of stability to Modern Apprenticeship programmes.
We should all take pride in what has been achieved. The Network is now a very significant scheme providing opportunities for young people and employers to take advantage of the chance to gain free training and qualifications.
However, there is no room for complacency. We need to approve our retention and achievement rates. Too many apprentices leave before fully completing the programme. SITO, employers, colleges, assessors and the wider industry must do all that is possible to ensure that the apprentices complete all of the elements of the scheme if we are to maximise the benefits available to all.
Whilst the Co-operative Network is, undoubtedly, a success story, there are still too few companies participating. The reasons given include:
"Too costly" – when, in fact, it has never been cheaper.
"They only leave to work for someone else". Of course, this happens. It happens at all levels, but the more apprentices there are, the less negative the effect.
Recruiting good quality apprentices is going to become more difficult as more and more young people are encouraged to stay on at school. If the industry is to attract the young people it will need for the future, it must have an attractive training programme forming the basis of their careers.
The Modern Apprenticeship scheme has this capacity, but to make a real impact on young peoples' career choice it must be seen by them to be "mainstream". The industry must provide sufficient places for this to happen.
The introduction of the new European Standards and passport schemes such as CSCS will lay increasing emphasis on qualified staff. The Sys-tems Modern Apprenticeship provides an unpara-lleled and cost effective route for the industry's future engineers. In addition, the Co-operative Network can provide the vehicle for existing engineers to gain NVQ qualifications. We must all work together to ensure that the industry's growth is not stifled for the want of qualified staff.
Double honour for firm with training at heart
High end security specialist, Pointer was one of only three Scottish companies to win through to the National Training Awards.
In the awards to companies who "placed training at the heart of their business strategy" Pointer was commended for its initiative in deve-loping the SNVQ (Scottish National Vocational Qualification) Level 3 for its own needs.
It was also cited for creating its own in-house training facility, Pointer College.
Out of 1000 entrants, Pointer was one of just twenty companies to receive a further Special Training Award.
The awards, presented at the Guildhall, London, are backed by UK Skills, part of the Department for Education and Skills.
Said Andy Rowan, Pointer MD:
"No other electronic security installer has ever achieved a double success in the National Training Awards and we are delighted for all our staff to have received recognition for their hard work and skills development".
SESCO apprentices rewarded at VIP evening
Parents, employers and industry VIPS watched apprentices achieve their awards at the SESCO (South East Security Co-operative) Annual Awards Presentation at Waltham Forest College.
The occasion also saw presentations to winners of the City and Guilds 1851 Apprentice of the Year who were:
- First year: Craig Millard, of Classic Alarm Security Systems, sponsored by NSI and presented by Tom Mullarkey, Chief Executive of NSI;
- Second Year: Jonathan Peavoy, of CE Security Systems, sponsored by Texecom and presented by Neil Taylor;
- Third year: Ashley Gray, Essex Security Services, sponsored by BT RedCARE and presented by Simon Middleton.
The following apprentices achieved their 1851 component No.101, Electrical Principles:
- Michael Cromwell, 3D; Daniel Crudgington, Metro; Jordan Harwood, Cobra; David Hopkins, Romec; James Howe, Capstan; Daniel McIntosh, Essex; Craig Millard, Classic; Thomas Nash, Intech; Dean O'Conner, Active; Jonathan Peavoy CE; James Redgrave, Essex.
The following achieved the 1851 component No. 102, Intruder Alarms:
- Mark Jeffery, Romec; Chris Orme, Romec; Daniel Osborne, Metro; Adam Leigh Smith, Capital Q; Samuel Thompson, Trio.
- James Redgrave, Essex, achieved both 101 and 102.
Full 1851 Certification was awarded to lScott Allen, 3D; Ashley Gray, Essex; Jason Powell, Total; Roland Mulhare, Secom.
NVQ Level 2 Awards went to:
- Chris Orme, Romec; James Howe, Capstan; Ashley Gray, Essex, Mark Jeffery, Romec; Daniel Osborne, Metro; Jason Powell, Total, James Red-grave, Essex; Samuel Thompson, Trio; Ian Tomlin, Secom; Mathew Down, CE; Richard Albrow.
NVQ Level 3 Awards went to:
- Barry Roberts, Kevin Abbott, Darren Cleg, Roland Mulhare, Steve Strobel, Darren Todd.
Full Advanced Modern Apprenticeship certification has been awarded to:
- Darren Cleg, Daryl Preston, Darren Todd.
The presentation evening heard addresses given by George Mullaly, Sesco Chairman; Tom Mullarkey, NSI Chief Executive; Geoff Rendall, SSAIB Accreditation Manager, and Tim Geddes, BSIA Chairman.
Certificates were presented by Cedric Jemmett (City & Guilds), Alan Hyder (NVQ Level 2), Tom Mullarkey (NVQ Level 3) and Tim Geddes (AMA Completion).
Source
Security Installer
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