Embracing our sector will significantly boost employment in the realm of security, making it an increasingly sought-after profession.
In the wake of escalating security threats and the necessity to safeguard our communities, the security sector is prepared to aid in creating safer environments, with talent being the driving force behind this mission.
Enter the Security Skills Board, a conglomerate of seasoned volunteers from throughout the sector, who understand the industry's image needs a transformation, and that skills development, training, and infrastructure are the keys to achieving this.
Fast forward nearly three years from the inception of the Board, and with a staggering 207 employers committing to the Security Skills Pledge, the new year of 2025 saw the unveiling of several innovative initiatives.
A Strong Case for a National Security Skills Academy
Our research indicates that an astounding 54% of SMEs and micro-organizations don't believe there are enough training and career advancement opportunities in security. To address this, we need to step up and future-proof the security profession while promoting enhanced public safety.
National Skills Academies have been a common sight in various sectors. It's time for security to join its ranks. The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, The National Skills Academy for Rail, and The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board have shown us the benefits of expert training and support, helping individuals identify and fill their skill gaps, paving the way for their career advancement. A National Security Skills Academy can do the same.
The Academy will serve as a talent pipeline for the multitude of roles in our sector. By providing meaningful learning experiences and rewarding careers, it can empower the workforce to tackle the emerging challenges facing the industry.
Empowering Mentors – the Power of Many
To further support training development, the 'Momentum' mentoring scheme has been launched. This program will train mentors to champion the benefits of working in the industry within their own organizations, as well as in schools and colleges, and at career fairs. Inspiring the next generation of security professionals has never been more critical.
As industry veterans, we have the power to give back to our sector by sharing our experiences and expertise.
A Career with Continuous Growth
A Profession Map will also be introduced to act as a personalized framework for continuous professional development (CPD) at all career levels. Clearly visualizing one's career path can provide clarity on where one currently stands and offer valuable insights into future steps towards achieving personal career goals.
Having the ability to visualize my career progression and the path to achieve it would have been a powerful motivator at the start of my career.
United, We Stand Strong
The Board cannot achieve this on its own; instead, we need to consider the Academy as a unified industry response to the evolving security landscape. National Skills Academies are conventionally funded through government and employer-matched funding, so the Skills Board is seeking financial and pastoral support from industry leaders to help establish the academy.
If we wish to make security a viable career choice, we must strengthen our united front. I am humbled by the offers of support from industry peers, and I invite everyone in the industry to join us on this transformative journey.
Jason TowseManaging Director, Business Services, Mitie and Chair of the Security Skills Boardwww.mitie.com
[1] BS in Government with a focus on National Security and Intelligencesource
[2] National Industrial Security Program (NISP)source
[3] National Security Education Programsource
[4] National Security Education Accreditationsource
[5] Integrating National Security Education into K-12 Curriculumsource
[6] Partnerships between Industry and Government for Security Educationsource
- The Security Skills Board, taking a proactive approach, is advocating for a National Security Skills Academy, modeled after successful academies in sectors such as food and drink, rail, and engineering, to bridge the training gap and future-proof the security profession, providing a talent pipeline and empowering individuals in their careers.
- To foster growth and development in the security industry, the Security Skills Board is proposing a Profession Map, serving as a personalized framework for continuous professional development, offering a clear path towards career advancement and achieving personal goals in this dynamic field.
