A post by Skills for Security.
After two successful weeks exhibiting at the School and College Leaver Festivals in Birmingham and London, we’ve wrapped up our final day in the capital and taken the opportunity to reflect on the value these events bring to training providers like Skills for Security.
In Birmingham, we were able to engage with students local to our Walsall training centre, supported by two of our sponsors, Paxton and Dahua. Paxton brought along their access control equipment, giving students the chance to get hands-on with real-world technology used in the security industry. As an added bonus, Paxton’s Mike Boughey was joined by his son, who is currently completing his apprenticeship training with Skills for Security, offering a genuine family perspective on both industry careers and the apprenticeship journey. Dahua’s thermal imaging camera also drew consistent interest, helping to spark conversations with young people exploring their next steps.
Our second week in London continued with the same momentum, giving us the chance to speak with students local to our Dagenham and Watford training centres. Dahua returned to support us alongside another of our platinum sponsors, SmokeScreen, who showcased their smoke simulator to demonstrate the innovative technology used in the sector. Their feature captured the attention of students and fellow exhibitors alike, helping us highlight the breadth of roles and technology within fire and security.
Events like these provide an accessible environment for young people to ask questions, explore their aspirations, and learn about an industry that is often underrepresented in schools despite offering strong career progression and long-term opportunities. They also allow us to tailor our conversations to the interests of the young people who visit our stand, ensuring we’re supporting those who show a genuine curiosity towards fire and security.
Even a single meaningful conversation can help a student discover a pathway they may not have previously considered. Taking part in events aimed at school and college leavers continues to be a valuable way for us to raise awareness of the opportunities available across the fire and security industry.
