TRAIN 4 Security, the security training company based in Droitwich, has won a major contract with the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

It will carry out a four-day training programme at the regiment's Folkestone headquarters this week leading to a Security Industry Authority licence for the 15 delegates.

From March 2006, all security officers must hold the new level 2 qualification in security guarding, as part of the Government's shake-up of the industry. Train 4 Security is one of only a handful of accredited training providers throughout Britain which are formally approved to deliver the course.

Course content will include conflict management training as well as the roles and responsibilities of security officers and customer care skills. Each delegate will sit two exams at the end of the course. The benefits of the new qualification will include a stable and well trained workforce with secure futures and career prospects.

The 1st Bn Royal Gurkha Rifles was initially set up in Hong Kong in 1994. Following the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, the battalion returned to Britain. Compris-ing mainly soldiers from west Nepal, the regiment is commanded by British Army officers - who are trained at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst - as well as the Queen's Gurkha officers.

These officers are given lessons in Nepalese as well as courses such as jungle warfare, weaponry and tactics.

Gamarsing Gurung of the 1st Bn Royal Gurkha Rifles said: "We decided to appoint Train 4 Security to deliver the course because of its industry knowledge. It is vital that we comply with the industry's new regulations.

"By obtaining licences for key members of our regiment, we aim to maintain our links with Britain's most influential security associations."

Phil Ruggiero, chief executive of Train 4 Security, added: "We are immensely proud to have been selected to provide industry training to such a significant battalion of the British Army."

Their formidable skills of strategy and tactics have been well documented over the years. By providing them with industry training we hope to play a small part in helping them to maintain their specialist approach to our safety and security."