Toby Moulder, representing APM Fire and Security Ltd and trained by SGS College, has emerged victorious in the Electronic Fire & Security competition at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.
This event gathers top apprentices and learners nationwide, challenging them with industry-standard technical tasks designed to identify the best talent in the field.
Future of the Fire and Security Workforce
The Electronic Fire & Security competition is a collaborative effort between Skills for Security, NSI, and SSAIB, aiming to set benchmarks for the skills and knowledge required in the current fire and security sector.
The event underscored competitors’ abilities in technical skill, precision, and professionalism under pressure
According to Darrell Gilmour, Director of Technical Education at Skills for Security, "WorldSkills UK is an important platform for raising the profile and standards of technical education in our sector. The competitors demonstrated exceptional discipline and a strong understanding of current industry practices."
This year's national finals involved two intensive days focused on tasks simulating real-world scenarios, including system installation, fault-finding, and customer-focused problem-solving. The event underscored competitors’ abilities in technical skill, precision, and professionalism under pressure.
Ongoing Support of Skills for Security
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, extended his congratulations to all participants, noting the crucial role competitions play in enhancing skill sets that drive economic progress. "Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs, and fuel economic growth," he said.
Skills for Security celebrated Joseph Jenkins from AGS Security Systems, trained by Skills for Security, for securing second place, and Declan Oneil from ADT, trained by Banham, for achieving third. Luke Wilson from Atlas World, backed by South Eastern Regional College, received high commendations for his professional execution and adaptation to complex tasks.
Collaboration with Employers and Sector Experts
Skills for Security has been instrumental in shaping the Electronic Fire & Security competition, ensuring alignment
The WorldSkills UK competitions, crafted in collaboration with industry employers and experts, mirror real-world standards needed in the field. Skills for Security has been instrumental in shaping the Electronic Fire & Security competition, ensuring alignment with national training requirements and fostering high-caliber talent.
David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security, remarked, "All finalists should be extremely proud of their achievements. The UK fire and security sector continues to grow and innovate."
Current Industry Standards
The 2023 competition received sponsorship from industry leaders such as CSL Group, The Security Event (TSE), Texecom Ltd, C-TEC, GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd, FENIX Monitoring, Dahua UK & Ireland, and Eaton.
Their involvement ensured that the competition tasks paralleled the current industry standards, utilizing up-to-date equipment and methodologies prevalent in today's market.
Skills for Security is proud to announce Toby Moulder from APM Fire and Security Ltd, trained by SGS College, has won the Electronic Fire & Security competition at the WorldSkills UK National Finals.
WorldSkills UK brings together the most talented apprentices and learners from across the country to compete in industry-standard technical challenges.
Future of the fire and security workforce
The Electronic Fire & Security competition, judged by NSI and SSAIB, is designed in partnership with Skills for Security to benchmark the skills, knowledge and professional behaviors required within the fire and security industry.
Darrell Gilmour, Director of Technical Education at Skills for Security, said: “WorldSkills UK is an important platform for raising the profile and standards of technical education in our sector. The competitors demonstrated exceptional discipline and a strong understanding of current industry practices. Their performance reflects the future of the fire and security workforce, one that is skilled, capable and ready to meet the demands of a fast-evolving industry.”
This year’s finals saw competitors complete two days of intensive, real-world tasks covering system installation, fault-finding, configuration, compliance and customer-focused problem-solving. The event showcased technical ability alongside precision, resilience and the ability to work to professional standards under time pressure.
Ongoing support of Skills for Security
Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to all those who participated in the WorldSkills UK national competitions in Electronic Fire and Security Systems. We are grateful for the ongoing support of Skills for Security, which enables us to help apprentices develop their skills to the highest level. Our finalists represent the future of our economy."
"They are the new generation of highflyers that will give UK employers a competitive edge. Our competitions, based on global standards, play a vital role in developing the skills that will drive investment, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.”
Scenario-based tasks
Skills for Security congratulates Joseph Jenkins, representing AGS Security Systems and trained by Skills for Security who secured second place, and Declan Oneil representing ADT and trained by Banham who achieved third place. Highly recommended was Luke Wilson, representing Atlas World and trained by South Eastern Regional College.
Each demonstrated professionalism, consistency and the ability to apply their training to complex, scenario-based tasks aligned to industry expectations.
Collaboration with employers and sector experts
WorldSkills UK competitions are developed in collaboration with employers and sector experts to ensure they reflect real-world practice. Skills for Security plays a pioneering role in designing and delivering the Electronic Fire & Security competition, ensuring it meets national training standards and supports the development of high-quality talent entering the profession.
David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security concluded: “All finalists should be extremely proud of their achievements. The UK fire and security sector continues to grow and innovate, and we’re so proud to support WorldSkills UK and help ensure we are preparing the next generation of skilled professionals. These apprentices have shown they are more than ready to take their next steps in the industry.”
Current industry standards
This year’s competition was supported by industry partners including CSL Group, The Security Event (TSE), Texecom Ltd, C-TEC, GS Yuasa Battery Sales UK Ltd, FENIX Monitoring, Dahua UK & Ireland, and Eaton.
Their support enabled the competition to be delivered to current industry standards, ensuring all tasks reflected the equipment and practices used across today’s fire and security sector.
