Training initiative

winner: Kings Security

As a dedicated security systems installer, Kings Security Systems carries out a wide variety of training programmes for all members of staff. It has apprentices on the SITO City & Guilds 1851/NVQ Levels 2 and 3 Advanced Modern Apprenticeship scheme, and is highly active on the regional committee. The in-house engineer training programme has been completed by 50 staff in the past 12 months, while a fast-track NVQ is available for ‘on the job’ training. All senior managers have completed an external Dale Carnegie training programme to develop their leadership qualities. Contributing towards their NVQs, all administration staff have attended a ‘World Class Customer Service’ programme.

“Kings Security is helping to solve the engineering skills shortage. The training culture extends right across the company”
– JUDGES’ COMMENT

Runners-Up

Honeywell Security Intruder
Honeywell provides free-of-charge training programmes to ensure the highest levels of competence when it comes to the installation and servicing of its products. A total of 1,841 individuals (primarily installers) were trained over 343 days. Most of that training is conducted at the customers’ premises for reasons of convenience and privacy. Five courses are offered, and certificates of completion issued. Post-training forms have also been devised to evaluate content. The courses offered have increased the confidence of installers and generated new business.

Panasonic (UK)
Panasonic (UK)’s CCTV training plan offers to support businesses by providing both sales and installation training free-of-charge. Courses are designed to educate installers and take maximum advantage of new technology. In the past year, 203 delegates have been trained across three courses (basic product training, sales training and installation). Detailed presentations in combination with hands-on sessions allow full participation from each candidate. As a direct result the number of incoming technical queries has been significantly reduced, and sales have also seen a substantial increase.

Securicor Security
Securicor Security (now entitled Group 4 Securicor thanks to the recent merger with Group 4) lanched its Supervisory Skills Development Course back in February 2003. It’s targeted at all on-site personnel who are sitre managers, supervisors or an equivalent. Delegates learn to define their responsibilities and identify what makes a good security team. They learn questioning and listening skills, time management and delegation techniques. As of April this year 122 employees had attended the course. Upon completion, delegates return to the classroom for a one-day ‘Skills Forum’.

Task International
Task International trained 100 door supervisors in preparation for the Private Security Industry Act 2001 following the award of a European Social Grant. Staff learned techniques such as First Aid, customer care, drug and alcohol awareness and arrest procedures. This led to the Door Supervisors Certificate, which is mandatory for registration and employment. The training in conflict management, assertiveness and customer awareness has greatly improved relations with clients, resulting in fewer complaints being made.

VSG
VSG has grown to employ 1,800 members of staff generating a turnover in the region of £35 million within the contract guarding sector. As one part of the Commitment To Quality programme, the training department developed a complete training plan for new business, communicating this to the customer within two weeks of contract start. The department then delivered that training, and produced progress reports for both the business and customers alike. Now, all contractual agreements are agreed and met. There have been no customer complaints regarding training delivery, and absolutely no contract losses in 2004.