Despatches December 06 - News, views and case studies

Close protection with iBG

Skills and knowledge acquired during a career in the Armed Forces ensure that Service leavers have a head’s start in pursuing a rewarding career as a CP operative or bodyguard. However, attending the right training course can mean the difference between success and failure in any future career.

Regardless of Service, iBG (see the advertisement on page 43) assure their students that they are taught all the necessary skills to work effectively as an individual bodyguard and as a member of a CP team. Lessons cover both low and high risk drills and procedures so that ‘graduates can find work to suit them, wherever they wish to work.’

They deliver a ‘separate, cutting-edge firearms package in the USA,’ as well as a ‘comprehensive 21-day SIA-compliant course by veterans of the CP circuit. Instructors are all ex-Forces and police. Having excelled as CP team leaders during their military careers, they have since established themselves outside. Their message is both simple and reassuring: “You can do it too!”’

Courses take a maximum of 18 students and, in response to employer requests, include specialist driving training on both roads and tracks. All students are accommodated in single en-suite bedrooms, and have free access to the on-site gym. The company’s staff train both male and female students.

For more information see the website at www.ibgcloseprotection.com or call 0845 602 2065.

Cruise ship security

Just like airlines and airports, security in docks and aboard ships has acquired a higher profile recently, and this is an employment area that builds on many of the skills possessed by Service leavers. There are opportunities within the cruise industry for many positions, including ship security officers, because cruise organisations are taking their responsibilities very seriously; and it is this response that is fuelling the need for properly trained officers.

International Ship Consultants Ltd (see the advertisement on page 44) is managed by John Taylor who has 28 years of Merchant Service experience. It is with this background that ISC specialises in providing maritime security training courses for ship security officers, company and port facility security officers. All their courses are approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Department of Transport, while their instructors generally have either MoD or naval specialist backgrounds. The courses are all certificated and the qualifications are recognised throughout the world.

Their portfolio of courses includes Crisis Management, Human Behaviour and Crowd Management, while a Crime Scene Investigation and Preservation programme will soon be released. These courses can be run in conjunction with the main security courses, on an individual basis, or specially packaged to meet the needs of particular individuals.

Many cruise companies also like their ship security officers to have pre-sea qualifications such as first aid, and personal survival training. These courses can also be organised by ISC. For more details and information on courses and dates, call their office on 023 92 412336

It’s never too late to learn … with Construction Training Services

Throughout the country there is an almost crippling deficiency in skilled trades people, which looks set to get worse. The success of London’s Olympic bid has seen thousands of skilled trades people taking up lucrative contracts and opportunities in the nation’s capital. The result is a drought throughout the rest of the country, which has been spotted by the 35-plus generation.

Chris Churcher established CTS (see the advertisement on page 35) to guide and help young adults and mature career changers begin new careers in scaffolding and roofing and has now moved into training for the building and construction industry. He believes: “We have seen a significant rise in the number of those over 35 enrolling in a course with us. Building and construction work is not limited to bricklaying or other heavy duties. I receive regular calls from companies in fields as diverse as plumbing, tiling and painting who are desperately seeking people with the proper qualifications. We have also taken great lengths to help our trainees establish their own companies or joint partnerships.

‘The 35-plus generation actually have several advantages in the skilled trades industry. Too often the elderly and other vulnerable groups find themselves at the mercy of rogue traders. Mature handymen are often better trusted by the elderly, and have the confidence in dealing with customers coupled with the necessary financial skills for self-employment.’

A good self-employment handyperson can charge between £15 and £20 per hour. Starting salaries tend to range between £18,000 and £22,000 whilst management and business owners are frequently earning double this figure. CTS have programmes which lead to the CSCS card, ranging from one to 12 weeks and more, in a number of skills.

British Military Fitness recruits instructors

British Military Fitness (see the advertisement on page 24) has been providing fitness classes in parks around the country for more than seven years. They currently train in 34 venues and 18 cities throughout the UK. Instructors help thousands of people achieve their fitness goals, lose weight and feel positive about themselves. They also run a series of events from assault courses to hill walking weekends in Wales.

All their instructors come from an Armed Forces background and have a recognised military or civilian fitness qualification. They work part-time, fitting in classes around their full-time work. The company is run by ex-Service people and continues to employ members of both the regular and reserve forces. They require a large pool of instructors to train their ever-expanding classes, and this means opportunities for work which people can arrange around their normal routine.

All instructors need to be a Forces-qualified PTI or hold a recognised civilian fitness or personal training qualification. People who do not have this background could attend the NVQ Level 1 Sports and Recreation course delivered by British Military Fitness. This is a distance learning package followed by a three-day intensive course which teaches the skills to become a qualified instructor.

Just one example is ex-Royal Marine Kevin Lomas, who worked as a BMF instructor whilst serving as a firefighter. He soon showed his ability and flair and quickly became Lead Instructor at one of the large venues. He is now in full-time employment with the company as BMF Operations Manager in London.

If you would like more information about employment or the NVQ 1 qualification, contact Kevin Lomas on 0870 241 2517 or e-mail kevin@britmilfit.com. For more information about what BMF has to offer, visit their website at www.britmilfit.com