Brian Sims
Editor
Brian Sims
Editor
INTEGRATED FACILITY services provider ABM has announced its backing of the ‘Secure Futures’ Programme, which is specifically designed to highlight the vast number of roles available in the security sector and introduce young people to the opportunities available to them in terms of career development.
Created through a collaboration between The Security Institute and the EY Foundation, the employability programme is designed to help break down barriers to employment for young people from low-income backgrounds who want to begin – and then progress – a career in the world of security.
For its part, ABM will be hosting five mentees within its security business, offering real experience of the working world by facilitating a situation whereby the youngsters involved can take part in paid work experience.
The move further demonstrates ABM’s passion for supporting social mobility, building on the organisation’s own Junior Engineering Engagement Programme, which itself aims to tackle misperceptions of the facilities management industry among young people and create a pipeline of future technical talent. The initiative has played host to over 500 graduates since 2017 and was created and funded by ABM UK.
Alignment of values
Chris Middleton, security and client services director at ABM, informed Security Matters: “We are over the moon to be involved with the ‘Secure Futures’ Programme. It’s very much aligned with ABM’s own values. Having been involved as a speaker last year, I was so impressed with the work being done that we were determined to do more.”
Middleton added: “We cannot wait to welcome our mentees to the team and share the wealth of knowledge and experience which exists in our business.”
ABM is well positioned to share industry-leading insight with the business’ annual Approved Contractor Scheme audit recently placing the facilities solutions provider into the top 3% of accredited security companies in the UK.
Security Industry Authority support
The ‘Secure Futures’ Programme has been backed by the Security Industry Authority, the UK’s regulatory body for the private security industry, and is set to continue the EY Foundation’s ongoing mission to reduce the barriers to work that many young people face in the modern age.
Expanding on The Security Institute’s #NextGen initiative, ‘Secure Futures’ will support 16-to-18-year-olds from low-income backgrounds such that they can access invaluable experience within the security industry, empowering them to consider pursuing long-term and successful careers within the sector.
