Security staff training scheme to get underway in January
A FULLY funded training scheme for venue and event security staff has been launched using leftover funding for the 2024 Tall Ships Races event in Lerwick.
Applications are now open for individuals who would like to take part, with training set to take place in Lerwick in January.
Emma Miller of Réalta Events Management has been appointed by Shetland Tall Ships Ltd to recruit and train up to 12 Shetland-based candidates to complete the Security Industry Authority (SIA) training for door supervisors.
The training will be carried out by Highland Training Services in Lerwick in January.
Licence fees will be paid for the successful applicants to receive their SIA door supervisor licence, enabling them to provide event and venue security services throughout Shetland.
A lack of SIA licence holders in Shetland has contributed to arts venue Mareel, for instance, not hosting standing concerts in recent years.
Funding for the new training scheme was secured from EventScotland and Shetland Islands Council following last year’s Tall Ships Races event in Lerwick, amid a recognised need for locally based licensed security staff.
Shetland Tall Ships Ltd chair Malcolm Bell said: “During planning for the visit of the tall ships to Lerwick in 2023, one of the main difficulties we identified was a local shortage of qualified, security staff required to stage large public events.
“To ensure the event went ahead, we had to bring in staff from the mainland. This is an ongoing situation which places an additional burden on local event organisers.
“The board of Shetland Tall Ships Ltd. wishes to leave a lasting legacy from the Tall Ships visit in 2023. We are delighted that, thanks to surplus funding from Shetland Islands Council, and Event Scotland, we are able, through Realta Events, to offer this opportunity.”
The training course will take place over seven days from 13 to 19 January 2025 and participants are required to attend the full course, with around three to four hours of advance coursework also required.
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The course incudes a full day of first aid training.
Applications are open to anyone over 18 years old with no criminal conviction which would result in their SIA licence being refused.
Anyone who would like to apply for a place on the training course should request an application pack from info@realtaevents.co.uk or call 07753806095.
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