Apprenticeships Update

NSI recently attended the Fire, Emergency and Security Systems (FESS) Employer Group conference, where delegates reviewed the structure of the Apprenticeship training programme, and take-up. Planning and preparation of the End Point Assessment, which apprentices are required to complete at the end of their apprenticeship, was also covered in detail by National Electrotechnical Training (NET) who sponsored the event. Representing NSI were Head of Field Operations (Systems) John Davidson and Auditor Gary Hurst.

Round table discussions explored how training providers might engage more effectively with employers, and how training delivery enhancements may deliver more successful apprenticeship outcomes.

Special guest speaker Helen Gorner of the National Apprenticeship Service also explained how training providers can support smaller employers with the apprenticeship service process and accessing funding.

The FESS Apprenticeship was developed by a group of fire and security employers to meet the needs of the industry. A number of those companies – Banham Security, Chubb Fire & Security, Lindum Fire Services and Secom – hosted discussions at the conference to speak directly to training providers and share experiences.

“This was an extremely useful day which allowed training providers to network and helped employers understanding of issues faced by education partners and how they can be supported,” said Pat Allen chair of the FESS Employer Group. “We’ll now be looking at what actions, materials and resources we might develop to help all parties support apprentices throughout their training.”

NSI Chief Executive Richard Jenkins commented: “NSI fully supports the FESS Apprenticeship vision of attracting and equipping new talent in our sector. We welcome collaboration seeking to equip apprentices for work in the sector. The FESS Apprenticeship vision is shared by many NSI approved companies committed to the ongoing training and development of staff as they stay abreast of the latest  industry standards and deliver a premium service to their customers for the benefit of both the industry and the wider public.”

NSI is the UK’s premier UKAS-accredited third party certification body within the Security and Fire safety sector.