In a change to its normal format, the 2001 National Training Conference hosted by SITO, aims to provide the springboard to future industry training developments.
The event on November 8 will include for the first time industry sector workshops, which will focus on important issues in the areas of Systems, Manned Guarding, Parking and Door Supervision.

Leading representatives will chair these workshops and report their findings back to the whole conference delegation.

Of particular interest to installers, the systems workshop will be chaired by Tim Geddes, newly appointed Deputy Chairman of the British Security Industry Association, who believes it will provide an important opportunity to focus on the future.

"We need to shift the focus onto training in the systems industry. I know that no person individually will create the solution or even identify the problem, but this is the ideal platform to pull thoughts and experiences together and then we can move forward".

Jane McKenna, National Training Manager , Chubb Security Personnel Limited, is heading the manned guarding workshop and PC Andy Walker will chair the Door Supervisors workshop. He hopes the session will help shape the new Security Industry Authority plans for national training in this field.

The parking workshop will be chaired by Alasdair Macmillan, NVQ Project Manager for the British Parking Association (BPA).

The conference, being held at the National Motorcycle Museum, Birmingham, on Thursday November 8, will include a keynote address by the Home Office, who will outline the implementation plan for the SIA and the ways in which the Private Security Industry can prepare for compulsory licensing.

The University for Industry will be sharing the "Learn Direct" experience and its place in security training, and the Transport Strategic Advisory Group will also be giving a presentation.

Raymond Clarke, SITO's Chief Executive said: "The theme we've chosen here is to essentially ask our industry – what do you want from SITO as your National Training Organisation? We want to continue to take forward training and qualifications and deliver a first class service to all our sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for high level input of ideas from people who know their industry and business needs, to help steer future developments".