SubscribeEdexcel has today launched a range of BTEC Security qualifications in Scotland to support regulatory changes to the industry.
The licensing of private security industry operatives, mandatory in England and Wales since March 2006, will be compulsory in Scotland by the end of this year.
From November 2007 it will be illegal to work as a door supervisor, contracted security guard or CCTV operator working in Public Space Surveillance without holding a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. A pre-requisite for a licence is the achievement of a 30-hour qualification, such as an Edexcel BTEC short course.
Edexcel offers a range of qualifications developed in support of SIA licensing - including CCTV Operations, Door Supervision, Vehicle Immobilisation, Close Protection Operations and security guarding - as well as generic management and business qualifications.
Edexcel is pleased to announce that the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) has recently approved our application to become an SQA approved awarding body and has also subsequently accredited our three licence to practice qualifications in Scotland and the SIA has awarded Edexcel preferred status to enable it to work as an endorsed awarding body in Scotland.
George Brown, SQA's Accreditation Business Manager said: "We are pleased to support the work of the SIA in its aim to raise the standards within the private security industry in Scotland. In addition, we look forward to working with Edexcel in this sector and to a productive working relationship which supports learners' and employers in this important sector.
"Jennifer Pattinson, SIA Head of Investigation for Scotland, said: "SIA licensing for Scotland will help protect the public by preventing unsuitable or poorly trained people from working in the private security industry and by raising the standards of service, the BTEC qualification will support that aim.
"Sallyann Baldry of Edexcel, said: "We are looking forward to supporting the SIA in transforming the skills of the private security workforce in Scotland. Many of our existing Edexcel approved centres intend to offer training in Scotland and we urge employers and training providers north of the border to contact us now to ensure that they are ready for the licensing deadline."
Employers and Training Providers seeking to offer the qualifications in Scotland should email employersolutions@edexcel.org.uk.
For more information on Edexcel's work with the Security sector, see: http://security.edexcel.org.uk/home/.
