Security Training and Professional Development SIG

Andy Gollings, Chairperson of the NZSA’s Security Training and Professional Development Special Interest Group, provides updates on the National Certificate in Security Level 4, NZ Certificate in Electronic Security and mandatory training.

The Special Interest Group for Security Training and Professional Development convened one last time in 2019 with the main focus of this meeting being on the structure and content of the new National Certificate in Security Level 4. We see this certificate and its ability to develop front line security leadership as a key building block to raising industry standards which is a primary objective of this group.

As part of this last meeting of 2019 we were also presented updates on the NZ Certificate in Electronic Security, the ROVE review and its impact on Skills Organisation and the review of the COA mandatory units, which are outlined below.

National Certificate in Security Level 4

A working group has been supporting Skills Organisation over the course of 2019 in the development of a new National Certificate in Security Level 4. This qualification is aimed at Senior Security Officers in a sole charge role or Security Team Leaders / Supervisors.

Graduates of this qualification will be able to:

• Implement and maintain operational systems and risk management processes in a security work context.

• Lead staff and support their development in a security workplace.

• Implement and maintain the health and safety requirements for self and others, including defensive techniques, while carrying out security work.

• Lead the response to incidents in a security work context.

NZ Certificate in Electronic Security

We were advised that the number completing the NZ Certificate in Electronic Security Level 3 is double the number from the previous year, with 45 currently enrolled. The Level 4 programme has been developed and approved by NZQA, and MIT will be supporting the delivery of the programme with a rollout expected in the second quarter of this year.

COA training update

The materials available for the COA mandatory training are currently under review to eliminate some of the unnecessary complexities of this training. We hope to see these updated materials being available by the end of the first quarter of this year.

In review 2019, was an interesting year for industry training with several NZSA initiatives being well received, this Special Interest Group among them. With the objective of raising industry standards your feedback and input is essential. Please direct any questions or concerns that you have to the NZSA so that we can work together to ensure our customers and our staff are provided the quality support that they deserve.

Andy Gollings is Chair of the NZSA’s Security Training and Professional Development Special Interest Group. Since 2002, he has been CEO of Red Badge Group, having previously worked in a range of roles, including as a RNZAF Aircraft Maintenance Technician.