Kevin Matthew

Tavcom Training, part of Linx International Group, the globally renowned provider of accredited security systems training courses, has announced the launch of the first in a series of virtual classroom training courses added to its classroom training portfolio, starting with two fundamental courses, Intruder Alarm System Design BTEC Level 3 and CCTV System Design and Planning BTEC Level 3. Virtual classroom training courses Delivered via Zoom through online interactive lectures and workshops and guided by the same expert instructors as the classroom courses, learners will have the chance to gain an accredited certification in a live environment, without having to travel. We understand a lot of our learners come to us for the high standard or training we deliver here at Tavcom" Andrew Saywell, Business Development Manager for Tavcom Training said, “We understand a lot of our learners come to us for the high standard or training we deliver here at Tavcom, and we wanted to find a way to provide that high standard of classroom learning to the many who are not able to travel.” He adds, “Our new virtual classroom courses are a crucial solution to this. Delivered by and in partnership with our lead tutors, they are fully interactive and designed to provide professionals with the necessary skills required to carry out the key elements of their job role.” Enhancing accessibility to Tavcom Training courses Andrew continues, “The launch of our accredited virtual training courses is just one in a series of latest developments that we are implementing in order to increase the accessibility of Tavcom Training courses to learners globally. Now more than ever it is easier to gain a worldwide recognized qualification.” Not only will learners interact with the class and ask questions as they would in a classroom, but they can expect to receive all the typical benefits of traditional face-to-face training including full tutor support, training resources, and protected soft copies of the learning material distributed prior to course commencement. Intruder Alarm System Design BTEC Level 3 course Intruder Alarm System Design BTEC Level 3 training course is the first course in Tavcom Training’s classroom training portfolio to be delivered virtually. It is an essential course for technical specifiers, sales engineers and consultants, who wish to work lawfully within the new legislative guidelines and to determine the risk assessment of each installation. Learners who opt for the course will be taught the skills required to carry out risk assessments and surveys, in accordance with the current British and European standards and in combination with design and planning exercises that will introduce all the necessary new grading requirements. Intruder Alarm System Design is scheduled to take place virtually from the 15th - 17th February 2021 and will cover the following core topics: Completing security risk assessments, An overview of detection devices, Control and indicating equipment, Signaling devices and considerations, Planning and design of systems, European Standards explained, Insurance requirements, Alarm verification techniques, Equipment grading criteria, Producing system proposals, Practical site surveys. Learners can expect to undertake focused morning and afternoon classroom sessions, intersected with project work that requires a level of independent research.  CCTV (VSS) System Design and Planning BTEC Level 3 course The other training program on offer is the CCTV (VSS) System Design and Planning BTEC Level 3 course Along with this, the other training program on offer is the CCTV (VSS) System Design and Planning BTEC Level 3 course. This training course is specially offered for all those who have the task of designing and planning small or large CCTV systems, while ensuring compliance with the latest international standards. This training course will provide learners with the experience and knowledge required to offer solutions to a variety of client’s CCTV requirements. The course will be of particular interest to technical specifiers, security consultants, sales personnel and CCTV system project managers. The CCTV System Design and Planning course is scheduled to take place virtually from the 15th - 18th March 2021. Throughout the duration of the training course, learners can expect to cover the following core topics: Overview of CCTV technologies and products, Developing an operational requirement, Risk assessment and site surveys, CCTV system design and product selection, Effective lighting for CCTV applications, Legislation, industry standards and codes of practice, System planning – costing, installation, commissioning, maintenance, System documentation – specification, drawings, commissioning and handover, Writing the system proposal, The Tender Process – pre/post tender meetings and presentations. Live virtual classrooms Delivery in a live virtual classroom has many of the benefits of face-to-face learning" Kevin Matthew, Operations Director for Tavcom Training, said “Delivery in a live virtual classroom has many of the benefits of face-to-face learning, without the inconvenience of travel. This is a very important consideration for those whose need for accredited, quality training hasn’t changed, but their ability to join a classroom course has.” He adds, “Learners will participate in the same way that they would in the classroom, with interaction with each other and the qualified course tutor, as well as receiving the high standard of learning and support associated with Tavcom Training.” Formal CPD points awarded on course completion Kevin continues, “This is just the start of a series of virtual classroom courses we are looking to develop in order to meet the changing needs of our professionals and is something we’re very proud of here at Tavcom Training.” Prices for the Tavcom training courses start from £395 (excl. VAT), which includes a formal BTEC accreditation. Upon completion of the course, learners will also receive formal CPD points (Continuing Professional Development), which count towards their continued professional development within the sector.

Tavcom Training, the world’s renowned provider of accredited security systems training courses and part of the Linx International Group, has announced that the organization is supporting the Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices by making a donation for every classroom and online course booked. Naomi House & Jacksplace Naomi House & Jacksplace provide expert hospice care to more than 525 life-limited and life-threatened children, young adults and their extended families from the regions of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. Lisa Congdon, Corporate Fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, stated “We are so grateful for the support of Tavcom Training. This year has been particularly difficult and presented challenges unlike anything we have ever had to face in the past. Therefore, the support of our community is appreciated more than ever now.” Fundraising for NGO Naomi House & Jacksplace have long been jewels in our community and is close to the heart of the Tavcom Training" First launched in 1995, this year Tavcom Training is marking its 25th anniversary, while Naomi House & Jacksplace opened its doors to the public in 1997. “Naomi House & Jacksplace have long been jewels in our community and is close to the heart of the Tavcom Training team, as well as the many security professionals from the surrounding areas that attend our courses,” explains Kevin Matthew, the Operations Director at Tavcom Training. Corporate Social Responsibility Kevin adds, “Making a donation for every course booked, as well as running other fun fundraising initiatives throughout the forthcoming year, is something we are proud to do, to help this fantastic and inspiring charity to support our local children.” For individuals looking to book a course online or to get more information about Naomi House & Jacksplace, including how to make a donation to its Christmas Appeal 2020, so as to give the gift of a magical Christmas Journey to a child at a children’s hospice, can log onto to the official website.

Tavcom Training - the provider of accredited security systems training courses and part of the Linx International Group - is celebrating its 25-year anniversary. Since 1995, the company has trained and certified in excess of 50,000 learners (in over 100 countries), across its extensive portfolio of more than 100 classroom and online courses. With the growth in manufacturers of security technology in the mid to late 90’s, including CCTV, access control, alarms, and IP networking, there was a growing demand for expert vendor agnostic training, regarding the design, installation, management and use of these increasingly complex systems. High-Quality training Tavcom Training was founded by Mike Tennent to meet this need and he rapidly established the company’s international reputation, as being the benchmark for training excellence. The pace of technical innovation is faster than ever and Mike’s commitment to delivering relevant high-quality training is a large factor in Tavcom’s continued success 25-years on. A key milestone came in 2001 when Tavcom’s BTEC courses were accredited by the Edexcel Foundation Kevin Matthew, Operations Director at Tavcom Training recalls: “In 1995 there were training courses which were accredited by a variety of industry bodies, but there were no standardized vocational qualifications, that were universally recognized by employers in the UK and overseas.” A key milestone came in 2001 when Tavcom’s BTEC courses were accredited by the Edexcel Foundation. Kevin adds: “This proved to be a game changer for the security industry, with quantifiable and accredited qualifications available for the first time.” Industry-Defining initiatives The commitment to professionalizing the industry and improving standards through recognized and accredited training has continued for 25 years, with Tavcom Training forging strong ties with the BSIA, SSAIB, CCTV User Group / NASCAM, NSI, Skills for Security and the Career Transition Partnership, as well as other certification bodies including City and Guilds and its Certificates and National Vocational Qualifications. The company has also taken the lead in other industry-defining initiatives, notably the Certified Technical Security Professional (CTSP) Register. Launched in 2017 and managed by Tavcom, this professional public Register recognizes the competency of individuals fulfilling technical roles in the electronic security and fire sectors. Online security training courses Tavcom continues to make significant long-term investments in its training provision Tavcom continues to make significant long-term investments in its training provision, seeking out world-renowned subject matter experts and trainers, developing new courses in response to the changing requirements of security professionals and the rapidly evolving technology accessible to them. It has also made significant upgrades to its state-of-the-art and future-proofed training center in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, as well as opening a new facility in Shipley, West Yorkshire, and delivering courses at a purpose-built training center in Singapore. Kevin continues: “One of the biggest transformations in how we deliver training has taken place in the past few years, with demand for online courses growing exponentially. Our portfolio of accredited online security training courses, bite size training and interactive courses enable security professionals to access the training and qualifications they need, from anywhere in the world.” Online training program Tavcom’s established online training program has proven invaluable for many security professionals this year, with restrictions on travel and national lockdowns, providing an opportunity for many to improve upon their knowledge and skills. Concluding, Kevin states: “We are immensely proud of our rich 25-year heritage and as the security market and technology continues to evolve and grow, Tavcom is committed to being a trusted and respected training partner for learners at every stage of their career, whatever their training needs, circumstances, and requirements.”

Tavcom Training, a subsidiary of Linx International Group, is celebrating the first anniversary of its Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP) Register, which aims to raise standards in the security and fire industry. In the last 12 months more than 500 engineers, contractors and vendors have applied to have their competence officially recognized. The Register has been endorsed by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) and Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA). Assisting Security Professionals David Wilkinson CTSP, Director of Technical Services at BSIA, states: “We are proud to support the CTSP Register to promote the technical competency and professionalism our security personnel have to offer. Such recognition is important in ensuring the fire and security industry can demonstrate its proposition as an attractive career path to what is a highly technical and diverse industry sector.” A new Vocational Application Pathway has been created in collaboration with SSAIB Since its launch, the CTSP Register has continued to evolve to assist security professionals and those who depend on their capabilities, including employers, end-user organizations and households. In June, it was announced that auditors and consultants who fulfill technical roles in electronic security and fire systems would be eligible to apply. In addition, a new Vocational Application Pathway has been created in collaboration with SSAIB that enables engineers and consultants with relevant security systems experience but without recognized industry qualifications to apply.  Recognizing Qualified Professionals “There is a real appetite across the security and fire sectors to raise standards,” states CTSP Registrar Kevin Matthew. “The CTSP Register is being seen as a way for professionals with the right qualifications and experience to be recognized for their dedication to technical best practice, and hopefully that translates into winning more business.” All CTSP applications are assessed by the Registration Manager, and successful applicants appear on the publicly searchable Register. The application process takes place online and costs £25, with a £50 annual fee payable on acceptance.

Tavcom Training, operator of the Register for Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP), is pleased to announce that Frank Smith and Nick Grewcock from the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) are among the first auditors to be admitted. The CTSP Register was extended to include auditors and consultants fulfilling technical roles in the electronic security and fire systems sectors in June 2018. Frank Smith commented: “I’m delighted to have been recognized as a CTSP-registered auditor, no less because it’s a fantastic way for me to celebrate my fifth anniversary at SSAIB. The CTSP Register is a very valuable addition to our industry as it gives a platform for technical competence and experience to be verified.” Being named on the CTSP Register is also beneficial to all of the auditors we have at SSAIB" Professional Recognition Of Technical Auditing “It provides a huge benefit to end users, because it gives them confidence and peace of mind that the person undertaking the work is qualified to do so. Being named on the CTSP Register is also beneficial to all of the auditors we have at SSAIB as it is a professional recognition of our technical auditing knowledge.” Nick Grewcock, who has been with SSAIB for 18 months, said: “Seeing my name on the CTSP Register is great; once these next six months are out of the way and I’ve achieved the minimum two-year auditing criteria I’ll be proud to see my listing move up from an engineer to an auditor.” CTSP Register For Security System “There are a lot of steep learning curves involved in auditing, so it’s good that the CTSP insists on an allotted amount of time to avoid just anyone registering for CTSP recognition as that would heavily dilute the quality that this level of recognition warrants. The CTSP Register for security system professionals goes a long way to reducing the risk of inconsistent standards. By benchmarking the registrant to an agreed minimum level, this will ensure quality in the industry and improvement in the standards, creating confidence and reassurance for customers and other contractors.” CTSP Registrar Kevin Matthew stated: “The security industry has many varied but equally important roles, so the decision to include auditors and consultants was designed to be inclusive of this professional diversity and to continue to raise professional standards. We are delighted to recognize Frank and Nick on the Register; it is apt that they are amongst the first auditors to register as the vocational pathway has been developed in partnership with SSAIB, which is one of the endorsing bodies.”

Tavcom Training, the operators of the professional Register for Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP) announced at IFSEC International 2018, that the Register now recognises Auditors and Consultants, and details of a new Vocational Application Pathway onto the Register will be highlighted. The Register for Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP) was officially launched in September 2017. Industry feedback has led to the inclusion of two additional registration categories: Auditors and Consultants. Individuals can now register as an Engineer, Auditor or Consultant in one or more of the original four core disciplines, comprising Video Surveillance Systems, Intruder and Hold-Up Alarms, Access Control Systems and Fire Detection Systems. The stringent checks undertaken to validate applicants prior to registration, provide confidence for customers and employers" Vocational Application Pathway A Vocational Application Pathway has been introduced for individuals (Engineers or Consultants only) who do not hold recognized industry qualifications, but who can evidence relevant security systems experience. Both the standard qualification and vocational pathways have been developed in partnership with the SSAIB, an endorsing body for the CTSP. CTSP Registrar, Kevin Matthew, states: “We believe these enhancements to the registration process provide additional opportunities for Consultants and Auditors to be justifiably recognized for their specialist skills and is a further step to professionalisation of the sector. The stringent checks undertaken to validate applicants prior to registration, provide confidence for customers and employers and will raise professional standards in the technical security industry.” Management-Based Activities SSAIB Training Manager, Trevor Jenks comments: “I’m delighted that we can demonstrate our support for the CTSP program in this way as it is really important to recognize the technical expertise of installers in our industry. The CTSP professional registration recognises the competence and experience of our SSAIB auditors, enhancing their existing auditing qualifications and differentiating them from solely management-based activities.” Jenks added: “All future SSAIB auditors will go through CTSP registration when they join, ensuring that our high standards in technical auditing are maintained and recognized for many years to come.” The CTSP application process is conducted online and costs £25, with a £50 annual registration CTSP Post-Nominals All CTSP applications are strictly assessed by the Registration Manager, to ensure only those with the necessary credentials are admitted to the Register. The publicly searchable Register lists Registrants, their role and the disciplines they are qualified in, enabling end users and employers to confidently select a qualified technical security professional. The CTSP application process is conducted online and costs £25, with a £50 annual registration fee payable upon successful admittance to the Register. Part of a certified professional network, Registrants can use the CTSP post-nominals (e.g. John Smith CTSP) and are permitted to use the CTSP logo on promotional materials.