1. The inaugural Security Management Conference was convened today to offer insights into the latest responses to challenges faced by the industry. It reinforces the need for the industry to invest more to build its capabilities and professionalise its workforce.
2. Themed "Security Threats in the Asia Pacific: The impact on businesses, the business response", the conference saw global experts and researchers on the frontline of regional terrorist threats share their views and analysis with more than 160 top executives and management from the industry in attendance.
3. The conference is the latest initiative by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) working with partners to better professionalise the security industry here. Another key initiative, also announced today, are two Security Conversion Programmes for both security officers and supervisors, which aims to attract more talents into the industry.
4. "It is our belief that better trained officers are not only in a better position to do a better job but are also happier and more motivated. All these lead to higher staff retention rates. Instead of training our staff just to fulfill our mandatory requirements, we encourage them to go through the full Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Certificate in Security Operations. " said Mr Ignatius Kang, General Manager of Apro Asian Protection Pte Ltd.
5. Mr Ang Chai Soon, Director of Healthcare, Retail and Business Services Division, WDA said "To boost productivity and meet the demand for higher level skills, WDA is expanding its Security WSQ training programmes to cover security professions like Security Operations Managers, Risk Assessment Managers and Chief Security Officers. This is to keep up with the constantly changing security concerns, technological advances and changing needs of the service buyers."
6. Best sourcing practices were also endorsed at the conference as instrumental in raising the standards of the security workforce. Professor Martin Gill, a noted security expert and Director of Perpetuity, a University of Leicester spin out company in the UK, said "Many case studies and an increasing array of evidence have shown that best sourcing practices have many benefits to good service delivery and are ultimately more cost effective. Providers need resources to improve skills and manpower practices including proper career progression for the security officers, reasonable salaries and shorter shifts. Security services buyers would gain through having a security workforce that is better equipped with skills to get their job done effectively and efficiently leading to higher customer satisfaction, better planning and appropriate response to situations that arise when they are on the job."
7. To implement best sourcing practices, security services buyers can avail themselves of the Best Sourcing Initiative (BSI) Early Adopters Scheme, an initiative funded by WDA and administered by the Employment and Employability (e2i). The scheme aims to encourage service buyers to adopt best sourcing initiatives and practices where contracts awarded to service vendors are based on performance and quality, instead of solely on price. To date, over 60 contracts have been awarded to companies in various industries and over 4,200 workers have benefitted from training. Among these companies are 13 security services buyers.
8. The Singapore Cruise Centre is a security buyer that has seen considerable benefit from being a participant of the BSI. "There has been a noticeable improvement in customer satisfaction with the security officers provided by our security agency which we have engaged through the effective outsourcing process. Having established a long term partnership with our "effective outsourced" security vendor, we have experienced better returns in terms of productivity and effectiveness due to a pool of better trained and competent officers," said Mr Sean Tan Kim Heng, Assistant Vice President (Procurement and Facility Maintenance Management) of the Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd.
9. To help the industry boost its workforce numbers, e2i and WDA are jointly organising a job fair alongside the security conference. Involving five of Singapore's leading security employers, over 250 positions are on offer. "Workers are able to get a higher salary when they attend training to acquire the right skill sets and knowledge to be competent at work. e2i is pleased to partner the five participating security agencies at today's job fair. They invested in new technology and surveillance equipment, as well as training and development of staff to operate these new equipment. Through training, constant skills upgrading, and higher productivity, workers are able to do a faster and better job and attain higher wages over time," said Mr Ang Hin Kee, Chief Executive Officer of e2i.
♦♦♦♦♦
About Workforce Development Agency
The Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) enhances the competitiveness of our workforce by encouraging workers to learn for life and advance with skills. In today's economy, most jobs require not just knowledge, but also skills. WDA collaborates with employers, industry associations, the Union and training organisations, to develop and strengthen the Continuing Education and Training system that is skills-based, open and accessible, as a mainstream pathway for all workers - young and older, from rank and file to professionals and executives - to upgrade and advance in their careers and lives. For more information, please visit www.wda.gov.sg
About e2i
The National Trades Union Congress' e2i (Employment and Employability Institute) is a one-stop, skills-based institute for job seekers, employers and training providers. It has a job bank of over 12,000, and assisted over 60,000 job seekers through training and finding new and better jobs in 2009. To help job seekers meet the hiring requirements of employers, e2i conducts employment coaching, career coaching, as well as employability and skills training. e2i serves all segments of workers from rank and file to professionals, managers, executives and technicians. An initiative of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), it is supported by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), the Singapore Labour Foundation (SLF), and the Singapore National Employer Federation (SNEF).
♦♦♦♦♦
ANNEX 1
SECURITY OFFICERS CONVERSION PROGRAMME (SOCP)
FACT SHEET
(I) Overview
This 4-month apprenticeship programme, specifically designed for individuals keen to join the Security Industry at the Operational level. Candidates selected into the programme by the employers will first receive employment offer and be required to undergo both classroom as well as practical on-the-job training. Candidates will receive monthly stipend during the entire programme.
(II) Target Group
1) Mid-career switchers without security background,
2) Unemployed job seekers who had previously worked and left the private security sector but now choose to return to the sector.
(III) Programme Structure
Candidates will undergo training at the Security Industry Institute, which is the lead training provider affiliated with Temasek Polytechnic. There will also be structured on-the-job training at the workplace.
| Classroom training (at Security Industry Institute or SII Or LHub) |
| On average, 4 to 6 days per month (Full Time) at Security Industry Institute |
| On-the-job training (at Employers’ Venue)
|
| Candidate will be exposed to operational duties |
At the end of the programme period, successful candidates will attain the following:
a. Registered as a licensed security officer with SIRD
b. WSQ Certificate in Security Operations, which is a nationally recognized and industry accepted qualification.
(IV) Eligibility criteria
To qualify, candidates must first meet the following criteria:
1) Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents; and
2) Minimum Secondary "2" Level Education
3) Previous employment must not be from the security industry.
Applicants will be short-listed and interviewed by employers for selection into the programme.
(V) Training Support
Course fee:
Selected candidates need not pay for the programme.
The programme is funded at 90 % by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency.
The remaining nett fee of 10 % will be borne by the participating employer.
| Component | Full Course Fee
| WDA 90 % Funding | Nett Fee |
| 3 Core Modules in Certificate in Security Operations (including 2 licensing modules) 3 Elective Modules in Certificate in Security Operations | $1150.00
$1500.00
| $1035.00
$1350.00
| $115.00
$150.00
Total = $265.00 (Paid by Employer) |
Bond:
Candidates will also be required to serve a minimum bond period of 4 months with the employer.
Recruitment of Candidates:
Employers are to inform WDA on the number of candidates that they are recruiting under this programme. Employees will administer the recruitment of the employees. WDA will disbursement Training Stipend depending on the number of employee recruited.
Documents Required:
Employers are to submit the employment contracts and OJT blueprint to WDA once they employees are successfully recruited.
After completion of the courses, Employers are to submit Payslips, CPF records, Completed OJTs and Appraisal forms of the employees.
After completion of the Minimum Service Period, Employers are to submit the Staff Retention Documents.
(VI) Course Registration
For further enquiries on the programme and enrolment details, please contact:
Kevin Loh
DID: 6512 1232
Email: Kevin_loh@wda.gov.sg
ANNEX 2
SECURITY SUPERVISOR CONVERSION PROGRAMME (SSCP)
FACT SHEET
(I) Overview
This 6-month apprenticeship programme, specifically designed for individuals keen to join the Security Industry at the Supervisory level. Candidates selected into the programme by the employers will first receive employment offer and be required to undergo both classroom as well as practical on-the-job training. Candidates will receive monthly stipend during the entire programme.
(II) Target Group
1) Mid-career switchers without security background, but with supervisory experience; or
2) Unemployed job seekers who had previously worked and left the private security sector but now choose to return to the sector.
(III) Programme Structure
Candidates will undergo training at the Security Industry Institute, which is the lead training provider affiliated with Temasek Polytechnic. There will also be structured on-the-job training at the workplace.
| Classroom training (at Security Industry Institute or SII) |
| On average, 4 to 6 days per month (Full Time) at Security Industry Institute |
| On-the-job training (at Employers’ Venue)
|
| Candidate will be exposed to supervisory duties such as supervise security operations, conduct briefings, manage deployment as well as lead a group of officers |
At the end of the programme period, successful candidates will attain the following:
a. Registered as a licensed security officer and security supervisor with SIRD
b. WSQ Advanced Certificate in Security Supervision, which is a nationally recognized and industry accepted qualification.
(IV) Eligibility criteria
To qualify, candidates must first meet the following criteria:
1) Singapore citizens or Permanent Residents; and
2) GCE' O' / N Level qualification or Workplace Literacy level 4; and
3) Experience in supervisory role in non-Security industry; or sufficient working experience in the Security industry at the operational level.
Applicants will be short-listed and interviewed by employers for selection into the programme.
(V) Training Support
Course fee:
Selected candidates need not pay for the programme.
The programme is funded at 90 % by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency.
The remaining nett fee of 10 % will be borne by the participating employer.
| Component | Full Course Fee | WDA 90 % Funding | Nett Fee |
| 3 Core Modules in Certificate in Security Operations (including 2 licensing modules)
Full qualification in Advanced Certificate in Security Supervision (4 Core modules, 3 Electives)
| $1150.00
$7000.00
| $1035.00
$6300.00
| $115.00
$700.00
Total = $815.00 (Paid by Employer) |
Bond:
Candidates will also be required to serve a minimum bond period of 6 months with the employer.
Recruitment of Candidates:
Employers are to inform WDA on the number of candidates that they are recruiting under this programme. Employees will administer the recruitment of the employees. WDA will disbursement Training Stipend depending on the number of employee recruited.
Documents Required:
Employers are to submit the employment contracts and OJT blueprint to WDA once they employees are successfully recruited.
After completion of the courses, Employers are to submit Payslips, CPF records, Completed OJTs and Appraisal forms of the employees.
After completion of the Minimum Service Period, Employers are to submit the Staff Retention Documents.
(VI) Course Registration
For further enquiries on the programme and enrolment details, please contact:
Kevin Loh
DID: 6512 1232
Email: kevin_loh@wda.gov.sg
ANNEX 3
Background of Security Industry
- 276 Security Guard Agencies (SGAs) with more than 35,000 Officers
- SIRD Grading
| GRADE | A | B | C | D | Ungraded | Total # of SGA |
| # of SGA (Y2008) | 27 | 58 | 47 | 9 | 120 | 261 |
| # of SGA (Y2009) | 58 | 88 | 66 | 36 | 28 | 276 |
Working Hours
- 90% of SGAs are still practicing 12 hours work shift.
- Difficult to implement 8-hrs shift due to shortage of manpower and cost
ANNEX 4
Security Job Fair – 250 positions from better-paying companies
1) APRO Asian Protection
Good career progression system to develop employees for better pay
- Good retention rate, as there is good career development system and mentorship programme to guide Security Officers to take on more responsibility and move up the career pathway
- Security Officers are groomed to move into executive position as Chief Security Officer in the field or Operations Manager at the Operations Department
- High investment on systems and equipment to enhance work efficiency and productivity
- New incentive scheme: additional incentives on top of Gross Salary for prompt attendance and good performance
| Position (Job Title) | Working Hours | Benefits | New Technology / Equipment deployed on-site / Command Center | In-house Training e.g. Customer Services / Communication Skills / Mentorship / Leadership Course |
| Protection Officers | 12/8/6-hr shift + flexi-hours | * AWS * Performance Bonus * Other Employment Benefits - 7 to14 days Annual Leave - 14 days Medical Leave - 60 days Hospitalisation Leave - Accident Insurance - Medical Claim Benefit - Hospitalisation - Union of Security Employees (USE) Membership | Virtual Supervision System and Visitor Management System to reduce menial work and better deployment of Security Officers * Extensive investment in equipment and system to work more efficiently | - Occupational First Aid Course - First Aid & CPR Skills - Handle Customer Enquiries & Requests - Assist in the Evacuation of Premises, Handle Counter Terrorism Activities - Security Supervisor Course |
| Security Supervisors |
2) Aetos Security Management
Exciting Work Every Day
- Provide exciting and fast-paced job where staff can be an armed Auxiliary Police Officer-APO or unarmed Security Protection Officer
- APO & PO work in major events and sites like F1, YOG, Istana etc
- Comprehensive training programme to professionalise and equip employees to work well on the ground
- There is job rotation opportunity for staff to experience/hand-on different scope of work
- Good starting salary above industry norm
| Position
(Job Title) | Working Hours | Benefits | New Technology /Equipment deployed on-site /Command Center | In-house Training e.g. Customer Services / Communication Skills / Mentorship / Leadership Course |
| Auxiliary Police Officer | 12-hr shift
4 days work and 2 days off | - 7-14 days Annual Leave - 60 days Hospitalisation Leave - Medical and Dental benefits - Personal Accident and Surgical Insurance - Bursary for employee’s children - Profit sharing of 1 – 3 mths - Joining Bonus - Subsidised USE Membership | Security Monitoring Systems Intrusion Deterrent & Detection System
| - Basic Auxiliary Police Officer Course - Unarmed Combat Course - Provide Executive Protection - Perform Oversized Cargo Escort - Handle Counter Terrorism Activities - Conduct Crowd and Traffic Control - Conduct Security Screening
Workplace Safety & Health - Handle Customer Enquiries and Requests - Supervise Security Officers * Comprehensive suite of training to fully equipped employees |
| Protection Officer | 12-hr shift
(5-day, 6-day) |
3) Aexis Security
Flexi-working hours with less than 12-hrs shift
- First security company to have comprehensive flexi-work in the industry; 21% of its employees is under 12-hr shift work
- On-site, bite-size training for employees – trainer will visit sites on a regular basis to train employees
- Develops staff through programmes such as Professional Conversion Programme (PCP), Security Officer Conversion Programme (SOCP), Security Supervisor Conversion Programme (SSCP)
| Position (Job Title) | Working Hours | Benefits | New Technology / Equipment deployed on-site / Command center | In-house Training e.g. Customer Services / Communication Skills / Mentorship / Leadership Course |
| Security Officer | 5-hr x 6 days per week 6-hr x 5 days per week 8-hr x 6 days per week 10-hr x 5 days per week 12-hr x 5 days per week 12-hr x ¾ days per week * True practitioner of flexi-work hour | - Flexi-work hours - shorter work weeks - medical entitlement & benefits - Group hospitalisation scheme - Free USE membership - Conducive work environment with basic amenities, monthly refresher courses/training, Staff recognition awards, Appreciation Dinners | - Remote CCTV Surveillance system - Biometric Attendance / Deployment System - Automated Payroll System | - Supervise Security Activities - Basic First Aid - Handling Counter Terrorism Activities - Automated External Defibrillator |
| Senior Security Officer |
| Security Supervisor |
4) Prosec
Good retention rate – CEO and employees work together
- 58% of staff retention for those working more than 2 years and above
- CEO and Service Buyers walk the ground to interact with employees on regular basis
- In-house Customer Service Dept to survey Staff Performance, evaluate workers’ training/OJT or provide further equipment when required, and also to assess the moral of the staff on a monthly basis
| Position
(Job Title) | Working Hours | Benefits | New Technology / Equipment deployed on-site /Command center | In-house Training e.g. Customer Services / Communication Skills / Mentorship / Leadership Course |
| Protection Officers | 12-hr shift 5/6 Days/Week 8-8(am/pm) | - Annual Leave from 7 days up to 14 days - Subsidised USE membership - Interest Free Loan, Weekly Advance - Insurance Coverage and Medical/Hospitalisation benefits - Holiday chalets, Back to school voucher, U-stretch voucher, free film show during school holidays - Regular dialogue and interaction with Prosec management and service buyers * Commitment and engagement from Management to work with employee
| - Biometrics - Clocking and Visitor Management System | - Fire Drill - Grooming and Etiquette - Bomb Threat - Emergency Evacuation Procedure - Fire Alarm Activation - Security Induction |
5) Legend
Mentorship Programme
- Special Projects Director and In-house trainer will go down to sites quarterly to get feedback from staff on the challenges encountered
- Both hard and soft skills are taught during the 2 half-day sessions (e.g. how to handle difficult customers, how to react if a fire happens)
| Position
(Job Title) | Working Hours | Benefits | New Technology / Equipment deployed on-site / Command center | In-house Training e.g. Customer Services / Communication Skills / Mentorship / Leadership Course |
| Security Officers | 12-hr shift 6-days/Week | - Joining bonus - Referral fees for employees - 14 days Annual Leave - 14 days Medical Leave, 60 days Hospitalisation Leave - Long service awards and commendation awards | Security Management System | - Mentorship programme - Customer Service Conduct - Traffic & Crowd control - Handling difficult customers * Introduce new skills to employees to work better |
ANNEX 5
BSI Early Adopter Scheme (BEAS)
FACT SHEET
1. Overview
The BSI Early Adopter Scheme (BEAS) is set-up to encourage Service Buyers from public and private sectors to adopt best sourcing practices and help to defray their costs incurred in the adoption.
This scheme is funded by Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA), and administered by NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) and the Unit for Contract and Casual Workers (UCCW). It will end on 31 December 2010 or when the total grant of $5 million is used up, whichever is earlier.
2. Target Group
i) Service Buyers from either private or public sector
ii) Service Buyers who procure services for Security, Landscapes, Cleaning and Building Maintenance.
3. Eligibility criteria
1) Only new BSI contracts will be considered
2) use Price-Quality Model ("PQM") to assess bids; e.g. 60/40 PQ
3) contract is performance-based; i.e. head-count is not the evaluation criteria
4) contractor to raise workers' productivity and enhance quality of service, e.g. use equipment to aid in productivity
5) contractor provides certified trained workers and a remuneration package to reward workers with higher productivity and skills
4. Grant
Grant: 5% of the value of the new BSI contract or $75,000, whichever is lesser
| $1M | $1.5M | $2M |
| $50,000 (5% of $1m = $50K is lower than $75K) | $75,000 (5% of $1.5m = $75K) | $75,000 (5% of $2M is $100K so $75K applicable) |
5. Application
For further enquiries on BEAS, please email to bsi@e2i.com.sg