Skills for Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.

Skills for Security, the UK’s major fire and security apprenticeship training provider, is proud to welcome Axis Communications as its latest Platinum Sponsor, with an aim to focus on practical skills development and raising professional standards.  This new partnership highlights Axis’ commitment to raising the bar in training, skills development and career progression for security professionals across the UK. Working closely with Skills for Security, Axis will support high-quality apprenticeship programs and initiatives designed to nurture new talent. Axis partners with Skills for Security Natalie Barbi, HR Manager Northern and Eastern Europe of Axis Communications, said: “We believe the strength of our security and surveillance technology operations is built on the skills and professionalism of our people.” She adds, “Partnering with Skills for Security reflects our commitment to developing a workforce that is technically capable, confident, and able to implement and support the latest in intelligent video, access control, and life‐safety‐adjacent solutions. Together, we’re investing in the next generation of professionals who will help address the skills gap and shape the future of our sector.” Platinum Sponsorship program The Platinum Sponsorship program, developed by Skills for Security, offers major brands a way to support and engage with the apprenticeship ecosystem. Through this partnership, sponsors gain visibility, access to networking opportunities, and direct opportunities to train the next generation of professionals As a Platinum Sponsor, Axis will champion high standards in fire and security training, supporting initiatives that bridge education and industry. Together, helping to raise awareness of the opportunities available to the next generation of security professionals. Reputation for innovation David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security, concluded: "Axis’s reputation for innovation and leadership in network security technology aligns closely with our mission to strengthen skills and raise standards across the electronic security sector. Their support brings valuable industry insight and demonstrates a shared commitment to inspiring and developing the next generation of security professionals."

Skills for Security is attending the inaugural Security Event Asia to highlight its commitment to building a skilled, professional security workforce through apprenticeships, technical qualifications and continuing professional education. As the UK’s foremost provider of training and skills development for the security industry, on stand 1525, Skills for Security will share practical and digital ways the sector can attract new talent, upskill existing staff, and respond to changing technologies and customer requirements. Technical knowledge  Working with employers, partners, training providers and industry bodies, Skills for Security focuses on helping security professionals build the right mix of technical knowledge and real-world competence. Its aim is to make training accessible, relevant and flexible for people at every stage of their careers. David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security says, “Our goal has always been to raise professional standards and ensure the security industry has the skills it needs to adapt and grow. Through apprenticeships, qualifications and continuous professional development, we’re helping employers and individuals stay ahead in an industry shaped by new technologies and changing risks.” Online courses A key feature of the stand will be Skills On-Demand, a digital training platform offering short, flexible courses that can be completed online. It helps employers deliver accredited, industry-relevant learning tailored to business needs, while giving employees a convenient way to keep their knowledge up to date. The platform supports Skills for Security’s wider mission to promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development across the industry. By combining digital modules, classroom sessions and on-the-job assessment, it aims to help people build meaningful, sustainable careers in security. Professional security education David added, “The Security Event Asia is an exciting opportunity for the global security community to share insights, build partnerships and explore how innovation in training can support a safer, more connected world. We’re looking forward to being part of the conversation with our international colleagues, showcasing initiatives such as Skills On-Demand to highlight our innovative approach to professional security education.” Skills for Security will be on Stand 1525 at The Security Event Asia, taking place from 11–13 November at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore.