The Debate goes on ha,ha.
Firstly, I agree with both opinions expressed within the Last few threads and I can see the for and against in both cases. As a Company who is also one of the very few who provide Accredited and recognised Surveillance training I can completely see where Pete is coming from. It takes a serious amount of dedication and perseverance to Gain Accreditation wether that be from EDEXCEL OR ASET or whoever. Its all about striking that balance between Classroom and Practacal Training. We would all like to spend every houir 'out on the ground' but in order to deliver accredited training the National awarding bodies want to see EVIDENCE OF LEARNING. This is where countless hours have been spent by myself and no doubt Pete in order to create a process where A Individuals progress can be monitored, assesed, improved and evidenced in order for them to gain level 3 status.
Now as pete pointed out, ISS have been around for a long time and deliver quality training. There are also other more recent providers who can provide a equal level of quality who have gone through the same level of of hard work to Gain Accreditation and become a National Learning Centre. I think this is Good for Individuals because it now offers a choice of varied courses which can only be beneficial to the Industry and Individuals as long as they are doing it the right way.( Nobody has the Monopoly when it cOmes to SURVEILLANCE TRAINING ) up untill recently People simply have not had a choice when it comes to recognised and accredited courses.
My advice is simply use Companies who are Accredited and who have gone through the process because we are ourselves constantly assesed and we have to show that we are delivering QUALITY AT ALL TIMES. It doesn't matter if your the most experienced Operator around, if you cant teach or get the subject across in such a way that Students Understand then what is the point ?. Again this is where accredited training comes in because each unit / subject has been assesed and learning outcomes have been Identified and it is then delivered to give a student the very best chance of grasping it first time around.
AS training providers we are ultimately Teachers and wether we like it or not the processes of teaching is becoming ever more stringent. This is a good thing to the Individuals who pay for quality Courses. The fact is if you want Surveillance training then use a ACCREDITED AND RECOGNISED COURSE. You stand a greater chance of employment in the long run.
Just for interest this is a link to the latest register site for trainers and teachers. Not all providers will be aware of this but it will become compulsory to register. It needs to be done before the end of March. It is the new database for teaching and all colleges and adult Learning centres must register, Pete, Nick and anyone else, IT'S WORTH LOOKING AT GUYS.
http://www.ifl.ac.uk/services/p_wwv_page?id=140
Than you
Damian
Blue Square Global Ltd
Surveillance Training
Blue Square Global – Covert Intelligence, Bespoke Surveillance Projects, Close Protection, Risk Management, Bodyguards