Edexcel
BTEC Security Training Forum Provides Platform for Continuing Professional
Development
The BTEC security training forum, the only regular free event designed
to update trainers in the security industry, marked the anniversary of
its fourth year of operation with proposals for significant advances in
the support that it provides for training professionals.
The forum which meets three times a year, has become an important part
of the annual security calendar for many trainers in the industry. It
provides opportunities for Edexcel customers and those working with other
awarding bodies to discuss training related issues. Regular contributions
from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), provide an important and open
interface between the industry and the regulator.
Regular attendees of the forum include representatives from leading employers.
These included The Shield Guarding Company, Vinci Park Services, Swindon
Borough Council, Sawley Security and Total Security. As well as many leading
training providers and stakeholders such as the International Professional
Security Association. At the Glasgow event ISS Pegasus, ICTS, Pontins,
Trustcare Security, ANG Security and Training Services, a number of private
training providers such as WSG Associates and the Professional Bodyguard
Association were all represented.
Unveiling the changes in Glasgow last week, Sallyann Baldry, National
Development Manager at Edexcel said:
‘There's no doubt that the Edexcel security training forum now makes
a significant contribution to the ongoing development of training professionals
in the security industry and our support for the forum is a clear manifestation
of our long term commitment to the industry.
‘Moving forward, we intend to work closely with industry representatives
to ensure the forum is at the cutting edge of education developments and
training in the security industry. We invited delegates to make suggestions
regarding the format and over the coming months we'll be including many
of their ideas, such as a regular session on legislative changes in the
sector.’
The key change to the forum is a re-focus, post licensing, on the need
for training professionals to up their game by providing evidence of their
commitment to ongoing skill development. The new benefit launched at April's
forum in London, is the provision of Edexcel certificates of attendance
to recognise the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of participants.
In Glasgow, for the first time, the workshop focused on CPD. The session,
run by Raymond Clarke, Managing Director of SAFE Ltd, a leading provider
of support materials for industry trainers, set the scene for the changes,
he welcomed the new developments saying:
‘The new format for the forum will provide participants with the
opportunity to update themselves on changes in legislation and developments
in the education sector. Edexcel is to be congratulated on this bold new
initiative which is a progressive contribution to the ongoing development
of training professionals in the industry.’
Over the last 4 years nearly 100,000 people have achieved Edexcel security
qualifications, including the licence to practice qualifications, NVQs
and BTEC Customised qualifications.
The next forum is in London on 13th November 2008. Training professionals
seeking an invitation should contact salessupport@edexcel.org.uk.
