New Professional Security Operative Apprenticeship announced 

The Private Security Industry Trailblazer Group announced the approval of a new, government-funded level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship. 

The new apprenticeship has been approved by government as a route for those wanting to join the private security industry, and for those already in employment who wish to progress. 

This achievement represents three years of hard work by employers and stakeholders across industry, supported by the SIA (Security Industry Authority). The apprenticeship will provide funded opportunities for professional training in core security skills, and allow employees to choose a specialism: 

•Operational Security Operative

•Cash and Valuables in Transit

•Mobile Security Patrol

•Security Control Room Operative. 

Mark Williams, Security Operations Manager, Parliamentary Security Department, and Chair of the Trailblazer Group responsible for developing the apprenticeship, said: 

"I am really pleased that the hard work of employers and others has paid off.  This is a major step forward for the industry. This apprenticeship will address some of the workforce issues that we have, by helping to attract new talent to the industry, as well as retaining and developing existing staff. I am extremely proud of the hard work, tenacity and collaboration shown by the group to achieve this step forward to help professionalise the industry." 

Heather Baily QPM, Chair of the SIA, commented:

"We are really pleased to have supported the group to achieve this outcome. It is another great example of the progress that can be made when industry collaborates on skills issues with our support and hopefully a further step along the way of making the private security industry a career of choice."                              -ends-

Further information:

For employers wanting to find more about offering apprenticeships: visit  Hire an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk). 

The new Professional Security Operative apprenticeship can be found: Institute of Apprenticeships & Technical Education. 

The Professional Security Operative apprenticeship is available in the United Kingdom. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland employers seeking to access apprenticeship funding should approach their local apprenticeship funding body. 

Apprenticeship levy payers in England - employers in the private or public sector with an annual wage bill of more than £3 million - will for the first time, be able to use their levy to pay for high-quality training for their private security operatives. 

Notes to editors:

The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). 

For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit:www.gov.uk/sia. The SIA is also onLinkedIn,Facebook (Security Industry Authority)andTwitter (@SIAuk). 

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk