Knightguard

Call Us: 020 8287 3213

SIA launches remote training pilot


<< Back to Latest News

Remote training

Remote training pilot
We (SIA) are working with awarding organisations to pilot ways in which licence-linked qualifications may be delivered remotely. The current lockdown means that training is virtually impossible. This will in turn have an effect on the supply of labour into the industry. We have worked with the qualifications’ regulators and awarding organisations to devise a pilot to determine whether licence-linked training and assessment can be delivered remotely and within robust quality standards.
 
The pilot is starting small, with two large industry-based training centres, and one large private training provider.  It will cover the qualifications for:
  • Security Guarding
  • CCTV
  • Cash and Valuables in Transit (later). 
We are taking it forward with three awarding organisations in the first instance, taking into account their readiness to deliver. The work is a pilot, and a decision on whether or not we continue to roll this out will be made only after we have assessed any additional risks identified.
 
Tony Holyland, our Head of Quality & Standards said:
“I wish to congratulate all of the team for getting the pilot initiated. It is really important that we respond to the needs of industry in innovative ways. Equally we need to be sure that we are not watering down our requirement, and this pilot is a great way to test our safeguards. If it’s successful it will really benefit the industry and individuals wanting to work in security during this challenging time. I’m looking forward to receiving the results of the pilot.”  
It is anticipated that 60 applicants with a maximum of 15 people per session will successfully complete the virtual learning and we will evaluate the results of the pilot when complete. We have given detailed guidance on how aspects of the course delivery should work, including how long each course should take to complete, and the rules around conduct of assessment. OfQual has agreed our approach, and is happy to support the awarding of qualifications on the basis of the measures that we have taken. 
 
During the pilot, learners will take the courses on laptops provided by their employers and/or training providers, or using their own devices, so they can continue to follow social distancing rules. We will report back on the success of the pilot in due course.