On The Up: Hawke’s Bay security guard shortage eased by Ministry of Social Development training initiative

A Hawke’s Bay security boss says it takes integrity and reliability to take on the important work of a security guard.

Havelock Hills Security general manager Leon Pienaar said it had been hard to find skilled staff recently, but the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) had helped.

Isaac Clark took on a permanent position with Pienaar in May through an MSD initiative in Hawke’s Bay, designed to fill a security industry skills shortage.

“I was a cop for 33 years in South Africa, so I take integrity, discipline and reliability very seriously.”

Pienaar said Clark’s work included patrolling various sites, and he was doing well at his job.

“If he stays on the road that he’s on at the moment, he’s going to be with me for many years.”

Leon Pienaar (left) hired Isaac Clark through a Ministry of Social Development initiative.

Pienaar said there was a labour shortage in security, and guards are legally required to have Certificates of Approval.

“It definitely is a struggle to find the right people.”

Pienaar said he took on a “huge liability” for his clients, which include orchards, commercial buildings, construction companies and wedding functions.

“We are giving our employees access to someone else’s assets and property, so background checks and integrity play a big role.”

MSD East Coast regional commissioner Steve Smits-Murray said Clark was put forward for the job after an MSD training initiative.

“The regional employment team swung into action after identifying there was a shortage of qualified security industry workers.”

Smits-Murray said potential candidates were screened and the list was then narrowed down to half a dozen.

“These candidates were then put through their paces with the help of virtual reality Security Foundation Passport sessions.

“The successful candidates then moved on to Certificate of Approval training with MSD provider Pop Training.”

Smits-Murray said the team checked with the NZ Security Association to ensure the initiative would work for them, and the association reached out to member organisations, some of whom had jobs waiting in the wings.

Of the six trainees, five went directly into employment with local firms.

All are still in work, although some have moved into different kinds of work.

“This was a good example of how we work closely with employers. Many of our candidates have the skills and qualities employers are looking for.

Smits-Murray said their top priority was getting people into work.

In the 12 months to October this year, 3933 people in Hawke’s Bay moved off a benefit and into work.