As the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) announced today that it has approved funding for the Professional Security Operative (PSO) Level 2 Apprenticeship, Mitie has confirmed its first cohort of 30 learners are ready to join the programme, with ambitions to welcome more colleagues to the programme in the near future.

Once the apprenticeship programme was approved for delivery by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) in May, Mitie worked quickly to promote this opportunity within the company and has seen a high demand from colleagues looking to develop a long-term career in the security industry.

By offering the PSO Apprenticeship, Mitie aims to unlock a wealth of opportunities for talent in the security industry, with a specific focus on the sector’s under-represented groups, including women. The programme is designed to cater to individuals with a wide range of career backgrounds, which is why Mitie has encouraged applications from any colleagues who may be interested in building a new career within the security industry. This includes aspiring security professionals, such as those who do not currently hold formal qualifications, as well as those who are new to the industry, such as Mitie colleagues from different parts of the business.

Mitie’s rapid adoption of the programme is part of its wider commitment to empowering its workforce and driving further development opportunities within the security industry. This includes the company’s close involvement with the Security Skills Board, with Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, also serving as chair of the Board. This working group, which was launched in April 2021 in partnership with the Security Industry Authority (SIA), is dedicated to driving higher levels of professionalism across the security industry and enhancing skills within its workforce.

Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie, said: “As the UK’s leading security provider, we are proud to have been involved in the development of the first Level 2 apprenticeship standard for the security industry.

“We believe every colleague should have the opportunity to progress from the frontline to the boardroom and the launch of this new qualification is just the start in helping more people realise their career aspirations.”

(Source: Mitie)