Mercury Training Contributes to Development of Level 2 Professional Security Operative Apprenticeship
Mercury Training, a provider of apprenticeship programmes within the security sector, has announced the official approval of the new Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship by the UK government. This development comes as Paige Braun, an apprentice from OCS, became the first person in the country to complete the new standard. The approval of this apprenticeship is seen as a key step in creating pathways for new entrants and advancement opportunities for those already working in the security industry.
Paul Lawton-Jones, Managing Director at Mercury Training, was actively involved in the creation of the apprenticeship as part of the security trailblazer team. The programme, developed in collaboration with OCS and Highfield Awarding Body, aims to provide a structured route into the private security sector for aspiring professionals and offer career progression for existing employees.
The apprenticeship was the result of three years of development, with input from various stakeholders to ensure that it addresses the evolving needs of the security industry. The programme is designed to offer professional training that helps participants acquire the necessary skills to meet the demands of modern employers in the sector.
Paul Lawton-Jones at Mercury Training said “We are extremely proud to have been part of this historic moment, helping Paige to become the first learner in the country to achieve a distinction in the new Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship. This is a testament not only to Paige’s hard work and dedication but also to the commitment of our Mercury skills coaches at Mercury Training Services Ltd. It has been a privilege to work closely with the Trailblazer Group to help shape this security programme that sets a new standard for professional training in the security industry. We believe that this apprenticeship will pave the way for many more security operatives to excel and develop successful careers within this vital sector”.
This new apprenticeship is expected to benefit both apprentices and employers by contributing to workforce development in the security sector. Mercury Training’s involvement in this initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting career development and upskilling talent within the UK’s security industry.
James Rockley, Business Development Manager at Highfield Awarding Body believes the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship shows innovation in career development and hopes more learners will continue to succeed within the security sector. He said “We are delighted to have been the End Point Assessor for the first learner to go through the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship who achieved not only a passing grade but got a distinction. The learner has every right to be very proud of their achievement and I’m sure that the employer, OCS, and the training provider, Mercury Training Services ltd, are both thrilled by their success. Highfield has been working with the Trailblazer group for the Professional Security Operative for some time, and we know how much hard work and effort has gone into the development of the standard from everyone involved, especially the employers. We think that the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship is a good step in career development, and we hope that many more learners will find themselves succeeding within the security sector. “
The Level 2 apprenticeship provides an opportunity for individuals to gain industry-recognised qualifications through funded programmes, helping to address the increasing demand for skilled security personnel. It equips participants with essential knowledge and expertise, positioning them to succeed in the security field.
Paige Braun who undertook the apprenticeship and works in the Northwest of England said “I found the course to be very interesting as it sparked debates and discussions between myself and colleagues. It has definitely enhanced my knowledge on why we follow certain procedures, laws and regulations. I feel that licensed people or people wanting to go into the security sector, would 100% benefit from this course. Jayne was very friendly, supportive and easy to talk to. The process of booking my end point assessment as well as completing the exam, observation and professional discussion I found was simple. The assessor from Highfield was friendly and I felt at ease when undertaking the assessment.”
Tim Bowers, Apprenticeships & Funded Learning Capability Manager at OCS, celebrated Paige’s achievement being the first in the country to complete the level 2 apprenticeship, saying “The announcement of all successfully completed apprenticeships is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our OCS colleagues’ achievements, but when the news comes through that one of our security apprentices had become the first in the country to complete End Point Assessment for the Level 2 Professional Security Operative standard, topped off with a distinction grade pass, understandably, the excitement levels increase a little!! Supporting our commitment to enhancing the Women in Security agenda, I am delighted for Paige and would encourage her to embrace this moment and reflect on her incredible achievement, one she should be immensely proud of.”