Paul Lawton-Jones, Managing Director at Mercury Training, played a role in the security trailblazer team’s efforts to develop the recently launched Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship. This new initiative, approved by the UK government, provides a structured pathway for individuals aspiring to enter the private security sector, as well as for current employees looking to enhance their careers.

“We are extremely proud to have been part of this historic moment, helping Paige to become the first learner in the country to achieve a distinction in the new Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship. This is a testament not only to Paige’s hard work and dedication but also to the commitment of our Mercury skills coaches at Mercury Training Services Ltd. It has been a privilege to work closely with the Trailblazer Group to help shape this security programme that sets a new standard for professional training in the security industry. We believe that this apprenticeship will pave the way for many more security operatives to excel and develop successful careers within this vital sector.” said Paul Lawton-Jones, Managing Director, Mercury Training.

This new apprenticeship offers a valuable route to gain industry-recognised qualifications, with opportunities for individuals to acquire core security skills through funded programmes. It aims to address the growing demand for trained security professionals, ensuring that participants are equipped with the knowledge and expertise required to excel in this field.

James Rockley, Business Development Manager at Highfield Awarding Body believes the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship shows innovation in career development and hopes more learners will continue to succeed within the security sector. He said “We are delighted to have been the End Point Assessor for the first learner to go through the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship who achieved not only a passing grade but got a distinction. The learner has every right to be very proud of their achievement and I’m sure that the employer, OCS, and the training provider, Mercury Training Services ltd, are both thrilled by their success. Highfield has been working with the Trailblazer group for the Professional Security Operative for some time, and we know how much hard work and effort has gone into the development of the standard from everyone involved, especially the employers. We think that the Professional Security Operative apprenticeship is a good step in career development, and we hope that many more learners will find themselves succeeding within the security sector.”

The Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship is set to provide significant benefits, offering both apprentices and employers the opportunity to support workforce development in an essential sector. Mercury Training is proud to have been part of this vital initiative, which aligns with its commitment to fostering long-term career growth and upskilling talent in the UK’s security industry.

Paige Braun who undertook the apprenticeship and works for OCS in the Northwest of England said “I found the course to be very interesting as it sparked debates and discussions between myself and colleagues. It has definitely enhanced my knowledge on why we follow certain procedures, laws and regulations. I feel that licensed people or people wanting to go into the security sector, would 100% benefit from this course. Jayne was very friendly, supportive and easy to talk to. The process of booking my end point assessment as well as completing the exam, observation and professional discussion I found was simple. The assessor from Highfield was friendly and I felt at ease when undertaking the assessment.”

Tim Bowers, Apprenticeships & Funded Learning Capability Manager at OCS, celebrated Paige’s achievement being the first in the country to complete the level 2 apprenticeship, saying “The announcement of all successfully completed apprenticeships is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our OCS colleagues’ achievements, but when the news comes through that one of our security apprentices had become the first in the country to complete End Point Assessment for the Level 2 Professional Security Operative standard, topped off with a distinction grade pass, understandably, the excitement levels increase a little!! Supporting our commitment to enhancing the Women in Security agenda, I am delighted for Paige and would encourage her to embrace this moment and reflect on her incredible achievement, one she should be immensely proud of.”

Founded in 2005, Mercury Training is committed to advancing Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) across all its programmes, ensuring that security apprenticeships are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This ongoing dedication to DEI directly impacts the newly launched Level 2 Professional Security Operative apprenticeship by opening pathways for underrepresented groups to enter the security sector. By fostering an inclusive learning environment and promoting diverse talent, Mercury is helping to shape a security workforce that better reflects and serves the wider community, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

For more information on the Professional Security Operative Programme, visit – https://bit.ly/L2-PSO