By April next year, the first batch of 50 next-generation security officers from Certis will be equipped with additional skills to do more than just conduct standard security checks, as part of a new project.
Some of these skills include facilities management skills such as electrical and plumbing to identify and rectify faults to reduce the need for a separate group of on-site technicians, and skills to conduct centralised off-site monitoring at Certis’ Integrated Operations Centre.
Currently, the 50 security officers are deployed in a manpower-centric manner.
The initiative is part of Certis’ integrated approach to offer services beyond physical security services, called Security+. The officers will take on these new roles at a newly acquired worksite.
This commitment to train workers also kicked off a new Company Training Committee (CTC) partnership sealed on 24 July 2019 between Certis and the Union of Security Employees (USE).
The CTC is the first in the security sector. It aims to raise productivity and facilitate career transitions
The Security+ project intends to adopt outcome-based deployment, comprising technology integration to achieve higher security outcomes and better productivity.
Certis will also be looking to scale up Security+ to other sites that follow to create new value for customers and continue supporting employees in their digital transformation journey.
Certis Group CEO Paul Cheong said: “Certis has undergone a three-year digital transformation journey from providing physical guarding services to becoming an advanced integrated security services partner today. We are committed to equipping our people with the skills to stay relevant in a rapidly changing business environment, including harnessing technology, to better serve our customers.
“We are pleased to be the first in the security sector to set up a CTC, and look forward to partnering USE and our people to further develop their skillsets so that they can continue to enjoy fulfilling careers with us.”
The private security industry needs to transform the way it operates, urged USE Executive Secretary Steve Tan.
“Buyers of security services need to understand that the shortfall of officers will not go away, and they need to work with their security agencies to assess their security needs, deploy the right technology to harden the site and employ the right officers to leverage this technology for optimal results.
“The improved security outcomes and better productivity will justify the transitional difficulties. USE is happy to see this ambition at the pilot site and the others who have trusted and embraced Certis’ philosophy thus far,” he said.
According to Certis and USE, they will ensure productivity gains from the CTC initiatives are shared with workers to ensure better wages and work prospects.
