training

NICHE OPERATORS LOOKING TO TAKE NEXT BIG STEP

With a focus on providing security services to universities, polytechs and colleges, Campus Security NZ Ltd has come a long way since its early days on Massey University’s Albany campus. Two years ago, the company started expanding and now covers a number of Auckland and Palmerston North campuses.

With such geographic reach and further potential in the market, directors Don Blayney and Callum Blair felt it was time for a more formal approach to training. Don says it was fortuitous to come across ETITO when they did. “There are some unique challenges we face, so this and anything we can do to help our troops, is great.”

From the beginning of July, Campus Security is looking to have 40 of their staff working towards the National Certificate in Security [Level 3].

Campus Security contacted ETITO on the recommendation of a colleague in the security industry and it was during this first meeting that they saw how useful the qualification would be. “We want to upskill our staff and get them to the highest level possible so we can provide a more professional service and market ourselves as having the highest standard of delivery.”

To support this, the company have also hired a full-time trainer, who’s preparing a complete training package. “We’re taking the time to adapt the training so it’s specific to us and our clients, as many things happen on a campus that don’t happen in other areas,” says Don.

As well as looking to the future, the training is also an opportunity to do something for their staff. “We have staff who already have some of the unit standards so it’s great they can finish the qualification with us. The more we can establish professionalism on behalf of our staff the stronger we can be as a business.”

Don believes staff have reacted positively. “They’re thrilled actually. We did tell them that while they’re training they’ll be paid – so that got rid of that fear. We also realise there may be opportunities they’ll get once they’ve got the qualification that we can’t offer and we understand that. We're also encouraging those who have ambitions for a career with the police to go for it."

Click here to contact an ETITO client relationship manager and get your staff working towards a national qualification.

QUALIFICATION OVERVIEW

The most popular qualification on the security staff services career pathway, the National Certificate in Security [Level 3 or 4] combines a broad range of skills and knowledge common to security officers with specific skills to match the industry sector they’re working in.

This national certificate is made up of two sets of unit standards, both of which need to be completed to achieve the qualification:

• Core compulsory unit standards [106 credits] focusing on general security skills including communication skills, health and safety, and security practices as they apply to the legal system
• Strand specific unit standards [between 15 and 24 credits] focusing on the skill set needed to work in that particular sector of the security industry

There are seven strands to choose from:

• Court Security - aimed at court security officers employed by the Ministry of Justice covering areas including, searching persons and property in a courts context, health and safety, operation of court security systems and equipment.
• Event Security - covers maintaining security and safety at events by controlling access of persons, vehicles, materials, and substances, and by patrolling to detect abnormal safety or security issues
• Mobile Patrol - covers the skills needed for providing security for a range of separate sites or locations on scheduled visits, and responding to alarm activations or other warnings.
• Noise Security  - covers areas such as; knowledge and conduct of noise control operations, application and knowledge of risk management, application and knowledge of safe and secure vehicle operation, preparation and processing of reports and records and other areas.
• Retail Security - aimed at those involved in maintaining security and safety at retail outlets, minimising retail theft and customer fraud, managing access, and protecting stock and cash.
• Secure Transport - covers the skills required for transporting cash, bullion, or other high value consignments in special purpose vehicles.
• Site Security - covers maintaining security and safety at sites by controlling access of persons, vehicles, materials, and substances, and by patrolling to detect abnormal safety or security issues.

The qualification is set at Level 3 or Level 4 reflecting the depth of skills and knowledge required to achieve it and a trainee can complete more than one strand if they wish to. All unit standards in the Level 2 certificate are part of this qualification, so if you’ve gained this qualification you’re already to the next!

Feeling inspired to take on your next qualification? Click here to contact ETITO staff.

FIVE FROM FIVE

Just a year after signing on for national qualifications training, National Security have successfully completed their pilot project with Harry Singh, Ricky Anand, Nardeep Singh, Pardeep Bhangu and Gurinder Singh all completing the National Certificate in Security [Event Security] [Level 3].

“It’s been a really beneficial experience for us,” says Harry Singh, General Manager. “The practical exercises have given us extra confidence when dealing with complex situations. We’ve got better at our jobs.”

This is backed up by both Nardeep and Pardeep, who say the process of going through the training kept them motivated, giving them the boost they needed to perform well.

And National Security aren’t resting on their laurels, Harry and Ricky are putting in place plans to make sure the rest of the staff will be taking on the qualification in the near future.

To take a look back at when we first met National Security click here