Despatches April 07

Close protection briefing days change

The Nemesis Group Ltd has changed the format, dates and venue of their close protection career briefing days. Previously held in London, they are now conducted every two months in the Premier Hotel at Birmingham NEC/Airport on a Friday between 11am and 2pm. The day is free, and provides an opportunity for individual consultations afterwards. Subject to availability, instructors and students undergoing their final week of training will also be present to chat to delegates.

The presentation is designed to give delegates an insight to the close protection industry that might otherwise be unavailable. Despite recent world events and associated publicity, there are still misconceptions about the role of the CP operative and Nemesis feel that Service leavers considering a career in this highly specialised and competitive sector of the security industry should be made fully aware of the pros and cons. Subjects include an overview of private military and corporate CP markets, licensing, employment opportunities and the benefits of training with Nemesis. Questions are encouraged throughout. For further details visit the website at www.nemesisgroup.org or call 08701 417277.

New Certified Security Consultant (CSC) course

Anubis Associates Limited have developed a management course specifically tailored for the modern security consultant. They believe that there have been few qualification routes for aspiring security consultants to choose, with the most popular choice is a degree in subjects like security and risk management which may take several years to complete.

The security consultant’s course is split into three separate modules including two 10-day residential periods with a distance learning module in the middle. Each module consists of project assignments that all count towards the student’s overall assessment and grading. All modules can be completed over a period of just a few months.

The programme is accredited by both Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (BCUC) and Skills for Security (SfS). Accreditation by BCUC as a higher education establishment and SfS as the skills and standards setting body for the UK security sector means that completion of the three core modules leads to a Level 5 award. Successful students are entitled to place the initials CSC after their name.

The course is aimed at candidates who are employed, or seeking to gain employment at a management level within the security industry. Modules are structured to provide the individual with knowledge and broad understanding of security consultancy services. It will also enable them to effectively manage a range of security functions, and consult at the highest level within any organisation.

For more information, call Anubis Associates on 08708 505646, e-mail them at info@anubisltd.com, or visit the website at www.anubisltd.com

Achieving franchise success

Part of the reason for some franchises being more successful than others is the choice of an established company with a proven track record and a good reputation. It should belong to the British Franchise Association (bfa) and run its business in accordance with the best practices laid down in the bfa’s Ethics of Franchising guide. However, once you have chosen the right company, there are some things that you as an individual need to do to achieve success.

Fit-ex managing director, David Jones, offers a list of useful tips. ‘Agree a suitable contract. When agreeing the initial contract, you need to consider such issues as its duration and the geographical area covered by the franchise, as well as the location of other franchises of the same type. Maintain a good working relationship with your franchisor. Communication should go both ways, to and from your franchisor. Put their experience to good use rather than trying to learn the hard way.

‘Monitor cash flow. Believe the figures (they don’t lie) and use them to make informed decisions about your business. Problems with cash flow can be mistaken for poor profitability, especially in the early days, but careful planning and monitoring will prevent unpleasant surprises. Market your business. There are a lot of myths about marketing. The plain fact is that there is nobody better to market your business than yourself. Enthusiasm is contagious, so people will respond better to your proposals if you are passionate about your business.’

English language teaching network

English First (EF) is a network of over 200 English language schools that recruit and train teachers of English as a foreign language (TEFL). EF’s Marketing Manager, Geoff Andrews, says: ‘TEFL has become increasingly popular amongst Service leavers and other career changers because, once qualified, teachers have the opportunity to work in any non-English speaking country throughout the world. This is particularly attractive for Service leavers looking to spend an extended period of time abroad.’

However, the problem can be how to choose the right training from the huge number of TEFL courses available. Andrews explains: ‘The industry standard is a course that contains teaching practice with real learners of English. This requires a face-to-face element and traditionally is offered in an intensive four-week format.’

Suitable TEFL courses are available throughout the UK and Europe with the most popular ones being the CELTA, which is accredited by CambridgeUniversity. Newly qualified teachers are most likely to find jobs in the rapidly developing markets in Eastern Europe and Asia. Jobs in the UK and Western Europe tend to go to people with one or two years’ experience.

EF’s courses are offered in multiple locations and have the advantage of all candidates being guaranteed a job in an EF school in China, Indonesia, Russia or Saudi Arabia. For more information visit www.englishfirst.com

Ronin’s close protection medic and ambulance technician training

Ronin South Africa continues to search for excellence in paramedical training for the close protection and civil markets. ‘It is imperative that all our trainees have a good knowledge of paramedicine on our basic CP course for work in the industry.’ To this end they combine paramedicine with special weapons and tactics package to produce a fully integrated course.

‘CP officers cannot have enough medical skills and therefore the course augments and broadens them. Moreover in a business, which is tightening its standards, not only is an industry-recognised CP course essential, but an internationally recognised paramedical qualification is a powerful addition to a CV and potential job prospects.’ Successful students receive a UK Ambulance Technician certificate underwritten by the UK Institute of Health Care Development (IHCD) via Edexcel.

The course takes into account the specialised work environment and risk profile of the CP environment, and also leads to an IHCD paramedic qualification within the UK Emergency Services. It is run in Cape Town, South Africa, with operational rotations assisting the South African Ambulance Services in and around the townships dealing with all manner of medical and trauma cases. Ronin are convinced that this training adds significant value to the profile of anybody wishing to work in CP.

For further information visit the website at www.ronin.co.za

Achieve a rewarding career in the fitness industry

Northern Fitness & Education, as the name suggests, is a private training provider based in the North of England. The Principal, Christine Minchella, has won the Register of Exercise Professionals’ Exceptional Achievement Award, which recognises outstanding performance in this field.

They have been delivering fitness training courses for more than 18 years and are ‘passionate and proud’ of their services. The team is collectively responsible for the training of over 3,000 teachers and personal trainers across the North.

The company originally offered courses for aerobics and gym instructors but now runs over 40 vocational courses and workshops. These include personal training, GP referral, nutrition, circuit training, kids’ fitness, seniors, sports conditioning, pregnancy, business and marketing, to name a few. All courses are endorsed by REPS and validated by Central YMCA Qualifications, a leading awarding body and authority on health and fitness.

Students can study at their own pace to fully develop their potential. Programmes vary in intensity but share a common feature of self-development, with emphasis placed on developing knowledge and teaching skills through lectures, practical workshops, individual tutorials, feedback and group discussion. Courses are currently held in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle, Hull, Liverpool and Halifax.

During recent years many Armed Forces people have trained with NFE, an ELCAS approved organisation, and developed new careers in the health and fitness industry when they leave the Service.

For further information visit www.northernfitness.co.uk or call 01943 879816.

Do you need a qualification? It all depends …

According to John Platts – Dean of Bristol Management Centre

‘Members of the Armed Forces in their resettlement phase tend to believe that having a civilian qualification will be the key to the Pandora’s Box of the job market. My own experience, after 32 years helping Service people to find a niche in business or charity management is that this is rarely the case. This is clearly not so in areas such as programme and project management, where specialist skills, experience and knowledge should always be backed up by internationally recognised best practice qualifications such as Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) and PRINCE2.

‘In business and charity management it is usually more important to focus on acquiring practical knowledge of civilian management practice in these areas, rather than purely the achievement of a middle management qualification. Most interviewers will be far more interested in what you have done recently in your military management career, and whether or not you have made the effort to make yourself familiar with the civilian equivalent. You must be prepared to look at what you have done in the past and be able to explain that in terms with which a civilian employer can relate - which is why, of course, you should undertake training which will give you this information and understanding.

‘Of course, qualifications, even in civilian middle management, will be useful weapons to deploy. However, you must understand that such a qualification will probably represent a small part of the CV sifting process and only a brief talking point at interview. For example, a full Level 5 or Level 7 Diploma in Management will take months of assignment and project work to complete whereas the introductory Level 5 and 7 Diplomas can be measured in days or weeks, but each is a “Diploma in Management” on your CV. Choosing which qualification is a no-brainer really.’

Bristol Management Centre’s advertisement is on page XX

Building the future

Bobby Beveridge Training deliver tower crane operator and slinger/signaller courses from a multi-crane training centre close to Junction 34 of the M1 motorway. Training is focused on providing learning, based on everyday construction site requirements and not tedious exercises.

What better position could there be than sitting high above a construction site knowing that you are making a positive contribution to the development and regeneration of our cities and towns and being well paid for your efforts? Another plus is the accreditations gained that can be used to secure employment throughout the world. Today’s construction industry is very robust and with year on year growth forecast until 2015, now is the time to make the move and become a tower crane operator.

Courses have been compiled by people with years of experience in operating, directing and managing tower cranes in the construction industry. They are designed to give successful trainees a set of qualifications that provide more than one employment opportunity.

With just two trainees per instructor, intermediate City & Guilds are the award on successful completion of the course. Students can then gain further experience and progress to NVQ Level 2 qualification through onsite assessment.

For more information contact Bobby Beveridge Training on 01709 836700, e-mail : bobby@ towercranetraining.co.uk or visit the website at www.towercranetraining.co.uk

International Bodyguard Association celebrates its half-century

The International Bodyguard Association was established in 1957 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Its extensive experience in this field has included training agencies and anti-terrorist organisations world-wide. Its residential courses are delivered in the heart of the Cotswold countryside and they continue to claim excellent results in ‘training the close protection officers of tomorrow.

Close protection is an ideal career for those coming out of the Armed Forces,’ says course leader Duncan White, himself an experienced IBA trainer. ‘As well as physical conditioning, they will bring experience with weaponry and the vital ability to work effectively in teams.’

Graham Parsons served 12 years in the Parachute Regiment before starting a career in CP and was extremely impressed by the quality of the training and the fact that they accommodated me so quickly. ‘The course really developed many vital skills and covered a great deal, with excellent attention to detail.’

Doug Smith, formerly of the 1st Battalion of the Queen’s Regiment, was also delighted when he passed the course. ‘The instructors understood we all learn at different speeds and they ensured everyone had the time required to successfully pass the course.’

All Edexcel BTEC Certificate courses in Close Protection are delivered with NewCollege in Swindon. They fully support SIA licensing requirements (see the advertisement on page 21). For more details and information, call course leader Duncan White on 07752 801310 or e-mail office@ibauk.com.

Tiling and decorating for the Armed Forces

PTS, a provider of intensive tiling courses, have launched a City and Guilds accredited painting and decorating programme; designed to ensure anyone, from any age or background, can learn the skills and gain the confidence to take up decorating as a full time profession.

Courses are aimed at people looking to start a new career after man years in the Services. Trainees can enrol, regardless of experience, at training centres in Harlow, Essex and Warrington, Cheshire; emerging four weeks later with the practical and business skills to prosper in the finishing trades.

The company has been granted preferred ELC supplier status by the MoD and offer a specialist resettlement adviser, free of charge, to work directly with resettlement officers. Trainees receive practical tuition in their own mock-room decorating/tiling bay, but also learn sound business start-up, administration and marketing practice. Work bays contain typical complications a professional may encounter, including door frames, windows, radiators and skirting boards.

Director, Mark Humphreys says: ‘PTS has a reputation for providing the best tiling training in the country and we are very pleased to introduce the painting and decorating course. All our instructors are carefully selected for their practical knowledge and teaching skills, and we are proud of our past trainees’ success rate.’

PTS also offer a free advice line and backup service for trainees, and have now received official accreditation by City & Guilds. This provides independent recognition, with the company able to award candidates the Level 1 qualification in painting and decorating on completion.

For more information on both courses, call 01279 865843 or visit the websites at www.decoratingcourses.co.uk and www.tilingcourses.co.uk

Your career does not stop at certification … it is only just starting

Dynamic Training & Development (see the advertisement on page XX) provide the premier qualifications from Microsoft and CISCO that you would expect from any resettlement provider, including MCSA, MCSE and CCNA. Courses take place in carefully designed classrooms at their Accrington headquarters, and instructors are ex-military, IT professionals, providing experience to their training packages.

They believe that concentrating on IT industry awareness and individual employability should be given the same priority as formal certification. They see it as an important benefit that all the instructors have been through the same process as their students.

The company also runs what they call a ‘real world’ series of courses, which form part of all their resettlement packages. The five modules include:

• IT industry CV creation
• IR 35, with legislation changing this month
• Business structures and creation, particularly important for people considering self-employment
• Employment agency awareness
• IT industry psychology.

The aim of all their packages is to make the student as employable as possible. The process does not stop at gaining certification. So, all students now have the option of learning windows Vista and Exchange 2007 as well as the traditional 2003 route.