The Skills for Security event Engineering Futures: A Celebration highlighted the vital partnerships and sponsorships driving progress in tackling the fire and security sector’s most urgent challenges.
Now in its third year, the event welcomed over 100 guests, including 28 sponsors to the Royal Academy of Engineering in London. The evening was a recognition of the organisations actively collaborating to fix long-standing skills gaps and workforce development issues across the industry.
David Scott, managing director of Skills for Security, opened the event by reflecting on the collective efforts needed to address the industry’s persistent skills challenges: “Engineering Futures is about recognising the people, companies, and partnerships behind progress. We know the scale of the issues facing our sector, but events like this showcase what’s possible when industry leaders come together with a shared vision and purpose. And our sponsors play an instrumental role in enabling the infrastructure that allows apprentices to thrive – creating meaningful, long-term impact across the sector.”
Throughout the evening, the spotlight remained firmly on those businesses and partners who are working side-by-side Skills for Security to transform the landscape of apprenticeship training and professional development.
The atmosphere reflected a growing sense of unity and shared responsibility. Employers, awarding organisations, training providers, and sponsors engaged in conversations that went beyond celebration – discussing how collaboration can be leveraged further to ensure a resilient, future-ready workforce.
The event also saw the launch of the inaugural Employer Recognition Awards, a fitting tribute to those leading the way in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
The Employer Awards recognised four businesses demonstrating outstanding support for apprentices and workforce development. KHG Security (left) received the award for Employer of the Year in the Small Business category, presented by Trevor Jenkins of SSAIB.
FISK Group was named Employer of the Year in the Medium Business category, with the award presented by Richard Fogelman of NSI. EFT Group was recognised as Employer of the Year in the Large Business category. Spy Alarms received the Newcomer award for its early commitment to creating opportunities for apprentices entering the industry.
Simon Banks, chairman of Skills for Security, concluded: “What we saw in this event is the result of industry leaders deciding not to wait for change – but to become it. Our sponsors and partners are co-architects in building a stronger, smarter future. By joining forces, sharing resources, insight, and ambition, we’re tackling the skills gap and redefining what’s possible for the fire and security profession.
“Engineering Futures serves as a powerful reminder that our industry’s future doesn’t rest on isolated efforts, but on partnerships rooted in purpose and a shared determination to resolve our challenges together. Collaboration is the engine of real, lasting change.”
Skills for Security thanked its key sponsors at the event: The Security Event, CSL, Texecom, AJAX, Dahua, HKC, Orisec, Honeywell, Fenix, RISCO, Pyronix, HID Global, Comelit-PAC, Deep Alert, Yuasa Battery, Eagle Eye, Eaton, AddSecure, Smoke Screen, Videcon, Paxton, Nimbus, Gallagher Security, EFT Group, FIKE, Cento, Immix and Aura.
