| The success of the project was announced at Security Excellence Awards by one of its co-founders |
Thanks to the Industry first initiative 100 in 100 Apprentices, 155 young people have been provided with a career in the Security Industry. The success of the project was announced at Security Excellence Awards by one of its co-founders Simon Banks. 100 in 100 was launched at IFSEC in May setting the Industry the challenge to place 100 Apprentices into work in as many days.
Simon commented, 'The idea for the initiative came about at meeting between myself and David Greer, the Chief Executive of Skills for Security. I have always been an advocate of apprenticeships. The partnership between CSL DualCom and Skills for Security provided the perfect vehicle to achieve such a goal because of the complementary nature of our Industry links and their educational links. We never imagined we'd over-achieve and are very proud to be part of such a groundbreaking project. Let's not forget that this achievement would not have been possible, were it not for the investment of the 80 companies who recruited 155 apprentices between them.'
The impact of the campaign was apparent from its roots, with Industry bodies such as the NSI, SSAIB and BSIA pledging their support very early on. Jeff Little OBE, Chief Executive of NSI added, “This is a tremendous achievement. It demonstrates how a co-ordinated security sector can achieve fantastic results. I warmly welcome all 100 new recruits to our sector and wish them every success.”
It wasn't long until it caught the eye of the Government and 100 in 100 soon received official endorsement from Skills minister John Hayes. Upon hearing about the success of the drive Hayes commented, 'I am delighted to hear that you are now celebrating reaching the 100 mark, especially as you have succeeded in engaging companies new to Apprenticeships, helping to lay a firm foundation for sustained growth, and providing more young people with the opportunity to gain the skills they need for a fulfilling career.'
Backed by over 80 companies of varying sizes since its conception, the campaign also received endorsement from The Daily Telegraph. Not only did this help to raise the profile of the Security Industry as an attractive career path but also cited 100 in 100 as a model that has the potential to work in any sector. With high tuition fees, a record number of young people unemployed and the worst recession in 40 years it seemed to hit just the right note with employers. They gained a brand new enthusiastic employee, a competitive edge in the market place, funding, free publicity and Skills for Security took care of all the admin.
Upon achieving and exceeding the goal David Greer stated, “At Skills for Security we have always known that the apprenticeship model provides an excellent start to a career in this industry. To have this belief so strongly vindicated by the success of the 100 in 100 campaign, achieving 50% above our target, shows that employers and the young people who have now started their apprenticeships understand the value of this training. The qualifications gained during the apprenticeship are not only a first step on the road to a skills-based career but can also pave the way into higher education and the greater opportunities that this can bring.” As Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”