ABM is supporting the ‘Secure Futures’ programme, highlighting the vast number of roles available in the security sector and introducing young people to the opportunities which the industry affords them.
Created through a collaboration between the Security Institute and the EY Foundation, the employability programme is designed to help break down barriers to employment for young people from low-income backgrounds who want to begin a career in security.
ABM will be hosting five mentees within its security business, offering real experience of the working world and taking part in paid work experience.
The move further demonstrates ABM’s passion for supporting social mobility, building on its own Junior Engineering Engagement Programme which aims to tackle misperceptions of the facilities management industry amongst young people and create a pipeline of future technical talent. It has had over 500 graduates since 2017 and was created and funded by ABM UK.
Chris Middleton, Security and Client Services Director at ABM said: “We are over the moon to be involved in this initiative which is very much aligned with ABM’s values. Having been involved as a speaker last year, I was so impressed with the work being done that we were determined to do more.
“We can’t wait to welcome our mentees to the team and share the wealth of knowledge and experience which exists in our business.”
ABM is well positioned to share insight with the business’ annual Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) security audit recently placing the facilities solutions provider into the top 3% of accredited security companies in the UK.
The Secure Futures programme has been backed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), the UK’s regulatory body for the private security industry and is set to continue the EY Foundation’s ongoing mission to reduce the barriers to work that many young people face. Expanding on the Security Institute’s #NextGen initiative, Secure Futures will support 27 16-18 year-olds from low-income backgrounds to access invaluable experience within the security industry, empowering them to consider pursuing careers working within the sector.