Mitie, the FTSE 250 outsourcing company, is building on its talent development culture by offering the security sector’s first full-time apprenticeship scheme.
The scheme combines practical training and study to give young people the opportunity to learn alongside experienced operators.
Apprentices will learn about scheduling, administration, finance, front line security and understanding risk and management training. They will earn an NVQ Level 2 in year one and NVQ Level 3 in year two.
The scheme is being run by Mitie’s total security management business alongside training provider, Skills for Security, and is part of Mitie’s on-going policy to invest in apprenticeships and support young talent.
Bob Forsyth, managing director of Mitie’s total security management business explained:
“Our industry is at a crossroads and the typical image of security is changing. The traditional security officer role will need to evolve to become a more intelligence-led and analytical career.
“I wholeheartedly support Ruby McGregor-Smith’s passion to give talented young people a future and I’m certain that our programme will not only be a rewarding experience, but will identify talented individuals who will become future leaders in the security industry.”
Mitie has already recruited apprentices for its contracts with Jones Lang LaSalle and UBS and the business is committed to building on this in the future.
Jason Towse, Mitie’s people services managing director for Mitie’s security business commented:
“We will raise the bar on apprenticeships in the security industry to identify emerging leaders. Qualifications and assessment must be rigorous and give customers confidence in our apprentices.
“Having a clear vision of the outcome of the programme is key. What a person can actually learn and do at the end of their programme is critical to promoting apprenticeships as a credible career pathway.”
In 2005, in response to the lack of sustainable local talent, Mitie launched the Real Apprentice scheme, an operational programme specifically for unemployed young people living in London.
Today, the Real Apprentice is available nationally to anyone over 18, regardless of their individual barrier to employment – whether homelessness, mental ill health, physical disability or single parenthood. The Real Apprentice mentors participants on raising their aspirations, to believe in better and to deliver the soft skills essential to lifelong employment opportunities. To date 213 individuals have completed the Real Apprentice, with 158 going into work.
Most recently, Mitie has backed a campaign to boost training and jobs for unemployed adults by taking on 12 apprentices and raising £50,000 for City Gateway through employees’ sponsorship of our Mitie Revolution. City Gateway helps NEET (not employed in education or training) young people and women in London, offering training, mentoring and opportunities for apprenticeships with leading companies.
Mitie’s total security management business is one of the UK’s leading security companies providing integrated and risk-based security services.
-ENDS-
For further information, contact:
Bell Pottinger
Juliet Chaplin, Account Executive
D: +44 20 7861 2521
E: jchaplin@bell-pottinger.co.uk
