New competition supported by leading Competition Sponsors CSL, Hikvision and Texecom: WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security are launching a new Electronic Security Systems Competition at this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE to raise awareness of apprenticeship and career opportunities in the security and surveillance industry.
Attracting over 70,000 visitors, WorldSkills UK LIVE is the UK’s largest skills, apprenticeships and careers event. Taking place from 21 – 23 November at the NEC, Birmingham, the event also hosts the National Finals of the WorldSkills UK Competitions which see the UK’s top apprentices and students compete to win Gold, Silver and Bronze in their chosen skill.
This year, for the first time, visitors to LIVE will be able to watch apprentices take part in the Electronic Security Systems Competition which has been designed to reflect the role of an Electronic Security Engineer and the high standards that are expected within the industry.
Skills for Security is supported in its running of the Electronic Security Systems Competition and its promotion of apprenticeship and career opportunities in the industry by CSL, Hikvision and Texecom.
Parisa Shirazi, Head of Education and Competitions, WorldSkills UK said: “In line with the industrial strategy we are developing our portfolio of skills competitions to reflect economies which are essential for UK productivity and growth which is why we felt it essential to have a competition that showcased the security and surveillance industry. It is a great way to enable young people to understand how new technologies are shaping the industry, the skills that are required to work as an engineer and the range of training and career opportunities available to them.”
David Scott, Managing Director, Skills for Security said: “The launch of this competition in partnership with WorldSkills UK will improve the standardisation of training and raise participation in apprenticeships, helping to reduce the skills shortage that we are currently experiencing. We are hugely grateful to CSL, Hikvision and Texecom for their support, both financially and in resource, as without this we would not be able to run this competition and engage a new generation of engineers.”
With the launch of the new Electronic Security Systems Competition, CSL, and Texecom are hoping that it will increase awareness of the security and surveillance industry, encourage young people to consider a career as an engineer in the industry and raise the standard of training throughout the UK for those already working in the industry.
Joe Sheppard, Brand & Marketing Manager at CSL said: “We have brought together over 20 expert training providers from across the industry and the UK to create a competition that mirrors real-life scenarios and prepares those taking part for the world of work. Combining this expertise with the rigorous WorldSkills UK training standards has helped us produce a world-leading competition that ensures young people looking for a career in security and surveillance have the transferable skills needed to keep up with the pace of change, helping to secure the future of the industry.”
Justin Hollis, Marketing Director, Hikvision UK & Ireland said: “Working with WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security aligns with Hikvision’s corporate strategy of investing new blood in the UK security and surveillance industry. The investment mirrors the way we have invested in our UK business, increasing headcount, opening new offices and launching a brand-new R&D Centre.”
Clym Brown, Marketing Director, Texecom said: “Texecom has been a longstanding supporter of engineering apprentice training within the security industry, and we are delighted to partner with WorldSkills UK and Skills for Security for the launch of this competition. Electronic security fundamentally protects people’s lives and livelihoods, and as such is a very worthwhile endeavour for young people to consider as a career choice. This new competition will highlight the skills and innovation in the industry to a wider audience, as well as increasing the training level and knowledge base of electronic security apprentices already involved.”
