Skills for Security celebrates success of third ‘Engineering Futures’ event

Now in its third year, the event welcomed over 100 guests (including representatives from 28 sponsors) to The Royal Academy of Engineering in central London. The evening was a recognition of those organisations actively collaborating to fix long-standing skills gaps and workforce development issues across both the security and fire safety domains.

David Scott, managing director of Skills for Security, opened the event by reflecting on the collective efforts needed to address the industry’s persistent skills challenges: “Engineering Futures is about recognising the people, companies and partnerships behind progress,” said Scott. “We know the scale of the issues involved. Events like this one showcase what’s possible when industry leaders join forces with a shared vision and purpose. Our sponsors play an instrumental role in enabling the infrastructure that allows apprentices to thrive and deliver a meaningful and long-term impact.”

Sense of unity

Throughout the evening, the spotlight remained firmly on those businesses and partners who are working side-by-side with Skills for Security to transform the landscape of apprenticeship training and professional development.

The atmosphere reflected a growing sense of unity and shared responsibility. Employers, awarding organisations, training providers and sponsors engaged in conversations that went beyond celebration, discussing how collaboration can be leveraged still further to ensure a resilient and future-ready workforce.

The event also saw the launch of the inaugural Employer Recognition Awards, a fitting tribute to those leading the way in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.

The Employer Recognition Awards honoured four businesses demonstrating outstanding support for apprentices and workforce development. KHG Security received the award for Employer of the Year in the Small Business category, which was presented by Trevor Jenkins (national training manager at the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board).

FISK Group was named Employer of the Year in the Medium Business category, with the award presented by Richard Fogelman from the National Security Inspectorate.

EFT Group was recognised as Employer of the Year in the Large Business category. Spy Alarms received the Newcomer Award for its early commitment to creating opportunities for apprentices.

Not waiting for change 

Simon Banks, chair of Skills for Security, observed: “What we saw in this event is the result of industry leaders deciding not to wait for change, but becoming it. Our sponsors and partners are co-architects in building a stronger and smarter future. By joining forces, sharing resources, insight and ambition, we’re actively tackling the skills gap and going on to redefine what’s possible for the security and fire safety professions.” 

Banks added: “The ‘Engineering Futures’ event serves as a powerful reminder that the future doesn’t rest on isolated efforts, but rather on partnerships rooted in purpose and a shared determination to resolve our challenges together. Collaboration is the engine of real and lasting change.”

Skills for Security thanks its key sponsors: The Security Event, CSL, Texecom, Ajax Systems, Dahua Technology, HKC Security, Orisec, Honeywell, Fenix Monitoring, RISCO, Pyronix, HID Global, Comelit-PAC, Deep Alert, Yuasa UK, Eagle Eye, Eaton, AddSecure, Smoke Screen, Videcon, Paxton, Nimbus, Gallagher Security, the EFT Group, FIKE, Cento, Immix and Aura.

All supporters and partnerships are helping to shape a stronger and more sustainable future for the security and fire safety industries.

*Further information is available online at www.skills4security.com