The Bridging The Gap initiative has been developed jointly by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), Skills for Security, Bucks New University and North Hertfordshire Further Education College and funded by the Home Office, the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and London 2012.

 

The partnership, launched this morning at Tower Hamlets Further Education College in East London this morning, is scheduled to realise at least 6,000 new recruits for the security and crowd management sectors ready to be involved in London 2012.

 

The initiative has already been awarded the London 2012 'Inspire Mark', which recognises innovative and exceptional projects directly inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics.

 

David Evans, the BSIA's project director for London 2012, said: "There has long been a need to encourage young adults to pursue a career in the security industry.

 

"Bridging The Gap will provide the security sector with a new supply chain of trained and qualified personnel direct from their local college.

 

"Coupled with this, a new stream of personnel will help meet the security challenge of London 2012, providing valuable support to the comprehensive security measures that will be in place."

 

The scheme was piloted earlier this year in 14 Further Education colleges involving 210 students.

 

It is now being rolled-out nationally to an additional 50 Further Education colleges, with an overall goal of training a total of 12,000 students over three years and delivering 6,000-plus, fully-trained security personnel in good time for London 2012.

 

Andrew Amery, head of security at London 2012, said: "We're delighted that the security industry is offering this professional qualification and has had the foresight to plan ahead for recruitment requirements in a year which, beside the London 2012 Olympic requirements, will also see a plethora of other UK events demanding stewarding and marshalling support."

 

Lord West, the Government Security Minister, said: "The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be among the greatest sporting events in history.

 

"Security planning for the Games is on track and on budget.

 

"This project is just one example of the work already being done to make sure the Games are safe and secure.

 

"It's evidence of how the Government is working with British business to help communities and young people in the UK."

 

 

 

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