The Bridging The Gap initiative was officially launched this week after being developed by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and Skills for Security in conjunction with the University and College.

The project, which has already been awarded the Inspire Mark, is scheduled to produce at least 6,000 new recruits for the security and crowd management sectors ready to be involved in London 2012.

Security Minister Lord West hailed the project as a huge success. He said: "The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be among the greatest sporting events in history and security planning for the Games is on track and on budget.

“This project is just one example of the work already being done to make sure the Games are safe and secure and shows the Government working with British business to help communities and young people in the UK."

Andrew Amery, head of security at London 2012, said: "We're delighted that the security industry is offering this professional qualification and has had the foresight to plan ahead for recruitment requirements in a year which, beside the London 2012 Olympic requirements, will also see a plethora of other UK events demanding stewarding and marshalling support."

During early 2009, Bridging the Gap was successfully piloted in 14 Further Education colleges amongst 210 students. It is now being rolled-out nationally to an additional 50 FE colleges, with an overall goal of training a total of 12,000 students over three years and delivering 6000 plus fully trained security personnel for London 2012.

Bucks New University is providing the tutor training element of the programme. Professor Chris Kemp, Pro Vice Chancellor – Executive Dean of the Faculty at Bucks New University, added: “We are delighted to be delivering the tutor training element of the programme. Bridging the Gap creates a career pathway to the security industry that enables students to hit the ground running after participating in a scenario-based learning programme supported by work experience.”

The project has been funded by the Home Office, the Department of Business Innovation and Skills as well as LOCOG and has been created in liaison with Podium, the Security Industry Authority and Skills Active.

Bridging The Gap is still looking for more Further Education Colleges to take part in the programme.  To view the brochure please click here.  If your College would like to be involved please email the project manager Michael Wright for further details.