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Choosing a training provider

Choosing the right training provider is an important decision.

Whether you are booking training for yourself or arranging training for employees within your organisation, it is important to make sure that the provider, course and qualification are appropriate for your needs.

This is particularly important when undertaking regulated or licence-linked training, where specific requirements may need to be met.

To help you make an informed choice, there are a number of checks you can carry out before committing to a training provider.

What should I check?

Before booking training, consider:

  • The qualification – understand exactly what qualification you will receive and whether it meets your intended purpose.
  • The awarding organisation – for regulated qualifications, check which awarding organisation is responsible for the qualification.
  • The training provider – check that the provider is appropriately approved to deliver the qualification where approval is required.
  • The trainers – look at their qualifications, relevant industry experience and subject knowledge.
  • How the training is delivered – consider the balance between classroom learning, practical exercises and assessment.
  • The facilities – particularly where practical skills form an important part of the course.
  • What is included – check course fees, assessments, materials and whether there could be additional charges.
  • Entry requirements – make sure you meet any prerequisites before booking.
  • Support – understand what help is available before, during and after your course.

If you are arranging training on behalf of an organisation, you may also want to consider whether the provider can support group bookings, private courses, bespoke programmes and training delivered at your premises.

Choosing an SIA Licence-Linked Training Provider

If you need training to apply for an SIA licence, there are some additional checks you should make.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates the UK’s private security industry and sets requirements relating to the qualifications needed for front-line SIA licences.

Importantly, the SIA does not approve individual training providers. Training providers delivering SIA licence-linked qualifications must instead be approved by an appropriate awarding organisation.

You should therefore be cautious of any training provider claiming to be an “SIA-approved training provider”.

Before booking, we recommend checking the SIA’s official guidance so that you understand the qualification you require and how to identify an appropriate training provider.

 

Why it matters

Choosing an appropriate training provider helps ensure that the training you receive is legitimate, suitable for your needs and, where relevant, leads to the qualification you require.

For businesses, carrying out appropriate checks can also help ensure that training investment delivers meaningful skills and supports the organisation’s wider operational and compliance requirements.

Taking a few minutes to check the provider and course before booking can help avoid problems later.

How Venture Security can help

If you are unsure which course is appropriate for you or your organisation, our training team would be happy to help.

We provide professional training for individuals and organisations, including SIA licence-linked security training, first aid training and wider workplace training.

Our training is backed by our real-world operational experience, with an emphasis on practical learning that helps people apply what they have learned beyond the classroom.

View our Training Courses
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