There’s real job security in the security sector for apprentices….
Every major organisation needs specialist protection, whether it’s for premises, products or people; that makes our industry indispensable and a great place to form careers, says a leading South Yorkshire security firm with over 35 years of experience.
Award-winning Constant Security Services is now one of the largest and most respected independent support service companies in the UK.
Founded and still headquartered in Mexborough, CSS employs 750 full-time personnel throughout the North of England and believes recruiting keen and ambitious apprentices is vital for its ongoing success.
The company is backing National Apprenticeship Week 2022 (Feb 7-13) and its Build The Future theme.
The company has pledged to offer apprentices the opportunity of rewarding careers in tailoring security solutions for blue chip companies, manufacturers and education providers across the North Midlands.
Mick and Christine Lee set up the business in 1984 when they spotted a gap in the market for a high-quality provision and the company is still family-owned and operated.
“Our assets are our people and our reputation is dependent on choosing the right employees, then developing and retaining their talent. We are very proud to have many staff who have stayed with us on our journey and we are keen to find more who can help us drive the business to the next level,” said Sarah Hill, MD.
“We are committed to employing apprentices. We give them the opportunity to train in a specific area of business and gain a professional qualification. We hope it is their stepping stone to a future with us, with further management responsibilities and training along the way.”
But long before, that ethos has been a successful route for CSS.
Louise Korobka arrived on a YTS work placement in 1988 age 16, and is now director of administrative services and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
Michelle Usher came on a similar scheme 30 years ago and is now customer care manager.
Dean Hubery joined in 1998 as a security officer after trialling life in the Armed Forces on leaving school. He has worked his way through most front-line operational roles, gaining a wealth of experience, and is now a contracts manager.
The company has recruited four apprentices via The Source Skills Academy and one from Sheffield College.
Several have gone on to achieve higher qualifications and build careers with CSS. Nicole Medlock, one of the company’s first apprentices supplied by The Source Skills Academy, is a real success story.
Now fleet manager, she was 27 and a stay-at-home mum of two when she began. Her confidence soared, she went on to gain a higher qualification and after having her third child, is planning to study for Level 4.
Three apprentices were set on this year in business support and HR, payroll and accounts and the company is seeking two more. CSS is also taking four young people on the government’s Kickstart scheme.
As yet there is no apprenticeship scheme for security guards, but CSS is determined it should happen - Sarah and her quality manager Rhian Evans sit on national trailblazer groups pushing for change and Declan Richards, recruitment manager is part of a national career pathways group.
Said Sarah: “We have a strong relationship with The Source. Business development officer Kerry Cook has developed a real understanding of what we want in an applicant. If she says; “I’ve got someone you should meet; you’re going to like them”, we know we can take her word for it.
“We feel the calibre of applicants is really high; many of them are clearly capable of going to university but have chosen not to. They want to get a foot in the door with a business and grow within it and they are exactly the people we want.”
Kerry Cook at The Source commented: “Kerry Cook at The Source commented: “Constant Security have a clear vision to provide long-term career opportunities to local young people. The support and the roles they offer ensure an excellent introduction to how a business works and give scope to develop and grow with the business. Their current management is testimony to this. The candidates we’ve placed there have all possessed that drive and I’m hopeful of success for them all.”
Pictured left to right: Imogen Ridgeway, business support apprentice, Liam Rodgers, finance apprentice, Nicole Medlock, Fleet Manager, Emily Walton, recruitment apprentice, Bethany Kirkland, Operational Finance, Alysia Roberts, HR apprentice. Back row: Declan Richard, Recruitment Manager, Rhian Evans, Quality Manager and MD Sarah Hill
