Date Published: 24 Jul 2007
Private Security Industry embraces Security WSQ to step up professionalism amidst changed security landscape
Security officers in the private security sector would now be able to undergo a nationally recognised and comprehensive professional training under the newly launched Security Workforce Skills Qualifications (Security WSQ).
2. The security landscape has fundamentally shifted in the past few years. With the changing security landscape, Governments and people around the world are now more aware of the need and importance of more effective security and better trained security personnel. Buyers of security services are requiring more professionalism and sophisticated services from security professionals to safeguard their lives and properties. With the upcoming developments of the integrated resorts, the demand for security personnel is expected to grow. Over 3,000 jobs are expected to be created in the next 3 years, adding to the 36,000 individuals already employed in the sector.
3. The heightened security climate has brought security to the forefront. There is now an increasing demand for security officers with more enhanced skills to keep pace with the growing security needs.
4. The Security WSQ aims to help achieve this purpose with a set of nationally recognised competency standards for professionals in the industry. The Security WSQ is a national skills qualifications system that establishes the occupational standards and offers skills progression pathways for the private security industry. It builds on the previous Security National Skills Recognition System (NSRS) which had been the bedrock for skills upgrading and certification for the security workforce since 2002. The Security WSQ is developed by the collective effort of the Security Industry Skills and Training Council (ISTC) comprising representatives from the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), various security associations and key training providers.
5. Security WSQ offers four qualifications: Certificate, Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma. The four different qualifications are targeted at the different occupational levels of the security workforce. Currently, all security officers are required to pass the two specified WSQ modules under the Certificate level to be approved to work as security officers.
6. Besides defining the skills required, the Security WSQ also maps out a career progression pathway for workers to advance in the industry. This can help security professionals plan their careers and thereby enhancing the industry’s prospects and retain talents.
7. “The launch of the Security WSQ marks an important positive step in raising the capabilities and professionalism of the private security industry,” says Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng. “The private security industry and its staff must continue to upgrade its skills, professionalism and standards to keep pace with the changing environment and evolving security threats. I encourage all stakeholders in the private security industry to continue to work together with relevant government agencies to make the industry a strong and effective one.”
8. Mr Ong Ye Kung, Chief Executive of WDA added “The Security WSQ is a set of source codes for the future development of the private security industry. Government, industry and buyers use it to set performance standards for the industry. Private security agencies can leverage on Security WSQ for its HR practices, particularly in the areas of recruitment, training & career advancement of the security officers. The long term objective will be a better image, improvement in the professionalism and standards of the security industry. ”
9. Managing Director CPT (Ret) G. Pereira of EVTEC Management Services, an early adopter of Security WSQ said “the Security Workforce Skill Qualification is a platform where we can raise our workforce’s competency level and meet the increasing demand for quality services required by our buyers. It allows our industry to position itself as one that offers solid career prospects and help us retain the right people. This instills confidence in our customers and boosts the growth of Security industry.”
10. DPM Wong Kan Seng will present certificates to the first batch of 200 pilot graduates, who have successfully completed the Security WSQ Certificate in Security Operations and the Higher Certificate in Armed Security. The graduates are from 11 security agencies who are the early adopters of the Security WSQ.
11. In conjunction with the launch of Security WSQ cum Graduation Ceremony, WDA and its partners have also organised the following career activities for jobseekers and public at the NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard:
- Job fair –200 job vacancies for security officers and security supervisors from eight security agencies will be offered.
- Career Briefing –2 career briefing and selection exercises will be held. The first session is at 10am and the second session is at 7pm.
