One of the fastest growing high-tech security systems specialists in Scotland, Cumbernauld headquartered VWS, has partnered with the UK-wide IT Apprenticeship scheme, YouTrain, to help eight team members secure recognised qualifications by codyfing their practical hands-on experience.

With more than 30 years of experience in the field of networked CCTV, fire detection, and intelligent building systems, and some of the most able engineers in the sector, the directors of VWS wanted to secure for their colleagues an opportunity which recognised their skills with conventional qualifications.

Chris Scott, technical manager at VWS, said: “There was a lack of formal recognition for the depth of skill and experience in IT and telecoms our engineers have in the field, so when our accountants and business advisers recommended YouTrain, we leapt at the opportunity.”

With the majority of the course taking place online, Chris (pictured above) set up regular after-hours sessions with those taking part, assisted by YouTrain tutor Mhairi Quinn.

Chris said: “I made it a team thing, got pizzas in, and all the guys got together and worked through the material. It was great team-building, as well as codifying all the skills they already had, but didn’t really acknowledge.”

The VWS team members who achieved vocational IT and telecoms qualifications are: Ross Shevlin; engineer turned surveyor Drew McMillan; Ryan Young; technical manager for the North, Scott McKenzie; Patrick Lamb; and Alex Jack. Jack McGinlay achieved a Business Administration qualification in the same period.

Mhairi Quinn, said: “With the external verification and video recorded exercises, the course tests the skills of all participants. I was delighted with the progress made the VWS team.

“In a great many companies, team members know their jobs inside out, but the skills they have acquired do not always merit formal qualifications and they simply don’t get the opportunity to have that learning recognised.”

YouTrain IT and Telecoms qualifications are part funded by Skills Development Scotland. Participants between 16 and 19 can be fully funded for the diploma course. The diploma is rated at Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level 6, equivalent to Modern Apprenticeship SVQ level 3.

For more information, please phone 01236 727 233 or contact us online.

For more information about YouTrain then visit their website here.