Latest news with #City&Guilds
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Tinker, tailor, carpenter, spy: MI5 seeks woodworker for top-secret missions
MI5 is hiring a carpenter to help protect the country from terrorism and hostile-state threats. The successful candidate will be deployed in the field to help carry out intelligence-gathering operations around the UK and 'directly contribute to the security of our nation'. The new recruit will have to sign the Official Secrets Act and must have a 'meticulous' attention to detail and 'sound problem-solving skills'. The role has a starting salary of £43,000, is being advertised on MI5's website and on its official Instagram account. A video promoting the vacancy features footage of a person chiselling, sawing and planing a piece of wood with the caption: 'POV [point of view]: you're a carpenter and you want to be a spy... It takes a variety of skills to keep the country safe.' The job description on the intelligence service's website states: 'As a maintenance carpenter, your work will encompass maintenance, repair and construction within secure facilities, including hardening of critical infrastructure and creating bespoke spaces in many different types of property. 'You will be responsible for creating technical drawings, selecting appropriate materials, and carrying out tasks to a high standard, all while adhering to stringent security protocols. 'Another aspect of the role, and very exciting part of it, is occasionally deploying within the UK on intelligence gathering operations; utilising your trade skills to directly contribute to the security of our nation.' Candidates will have to undergo the most stringent level of security checks, known as developed vetting, including solvency tests to ensure they are not heavily in debt and at risk of being blackmailed. Applicants must also have a City & Guilds Level 2, BTEC, NVQ or equivalent qualification in carpentry and joinery. The job specification continued: 'You will also be expected to maintain required levels of fitness as the job can be physical at times.' Recruits will be given two hours of paid leave each week to exercise or go to the gym. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Business Recorder
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
City & Guilds London: 50,000 students to receive certifications each year
ISLAMABAD: In a major development aimed at equipping Pakistani youth with globally recognised technical skills, under the agreement between GEMs UAE and City & Guilds, 50,000 students will receive internationally accredited certifications from City & Guilds London each year. The announcement was made during a media briefing held upon the return of a high-level Pakistani delegation from London, led by Minister of State for Education, Ms Wajiha Qamar. The delegation included Gulmina Bilal, Chairperson of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), Ghulam Ali Mallah, Executive Director of IBCC, Amir Saadati, Executive Director of GEMS Middle East, and Hussain Shaikh, Global Head of Strategy GEMS Pakistan. Speaking at the briefing, Minister Wajiha Qamar and NAVTTC Chairperson Gulmina Bilal stated that a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed to offer global-standard technical training to youth in Pakistan. This initiative is expected to create vast employment opportunities abroad and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistani professionals in the international labour market. 'Our goal is to empower Pakistani youth with skills that meet global standards,' said Gulmina Bilal. 'Through this agreement, 50,000 students will be trained annually with the collaboration of City & Guilds, enabling them to secure quality employment opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions.' The agreement was formalized at the headquarters of City & Guilds in London, where the Pakistani delegation signed the MoU with City & Guilds CEO Ms Kirstie Donnelly. Ms Bilal added that this partnership will revolutionise Pakistan's vocational education sector and align its skilled workforce with international benchmarks. 'We do not want our youth to be limited to the local job market. This collaboration is a game-changer, as it will grant global recognition to Pakistani certifications,' she said. During the visit, the delegation also met with Lord Boateng and discussed bilateral cooperation on workforce mobility and skills development. Lord Boateng appreciated Pakistan's initiative and assured full support for future collaboration. The foundation for this partnership was laid during the UK delegation's visit to NAVTTC in Islamabad in 2024, where Pakistan's vocational training potential was recognized. Subsequently, City & Guilds certification programs were launched in Pakistan through GEMS representation. This agreement marks a major milestone in opening global employment doors for Pakistan's youth and promises to contribute significantly to the country's economic growth. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Yahoo
Meet the Essex Police Inspector inspired by BBC Drama to join the force
Three decades ago, a young woman watched Juliet Bravo, a BBC police drama featuring a female inspector at the helm of a team. The show struck a chord so much so that she bought the theme tune on vinyl and was inspired her to volunteer as a Special Constable. That woman was Sue Richardson, now a respected Local Policing Team Inspector with Essex Police. Marking her 30th year in policing in December 2024, Insp Richardson has built a career filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have left a lasting impact. Her journey began in 1992 as a Special Constable, before formally joining the force - a decision rooted in admiration for strong women in uniform and a drive to serve her community. Sue with her City & Guilds qualification in Police Management (Image: Essex Police) She said: "Policing isn't just a job, it's a lifelong commitment." Now 52, Sue starts each shift with a handover and briefing, preparing her team for the unpredictable demands of frontline policing. From overseeing sudden deaths to supporting officers' mental health, her role is both operational and emotional. She said: 'Managing welfare around this for myself, my officers and anyone involved is always a top priority for me' One moment that still resonates is from her early days as a constable. She recalls breaking the news of a fatal crash to a grieving mother and her ten-year-old son. Sue added: "I don't know if I made a significant impact on his life, but he certainly made one on mine.' Sue has no plans to slow down (Image: Essex Police) Her leadership goes beyond the front line. A passionate advocate for gender equality, Sue plays a key role in Essex Police's internal Violence Against Women and Girls and Misogyny forum. She said: 'When I started, those really were 'the bad old days'. Essex Police has worked hard to stamp out misogyny and poor treatment of women, but there's still work to be done. "A real bugbear of mine is that when I make important decisions, I'm often asked, 'are you sure? I've never seen my male counterparts questioned like that. "It's about setting high standards from recruitment, dealing robustly with those who act inappropriately, and continuing to educate officers and staff." Sue still has no plans to slow down. With her sights set on promotion to Chief Inspector, she's determined to continue making a difference.
