“Whether we’re talking about security guards or door supervisors, our colleagues are keeping our clients safe. It’s only right we provide them with the tools and the training to do the job.”
Since she started working for ISS, Tracey has been nominated for two awards: ‘Going the Extra Mile’ for providing an outstanding service while completing the City of London mobilisation in 2019; and for her involvement with the SIA, upskilling security officers with their first aid courses and security guard/door supervisor and CCTV training courses.
While it has been varied, Tracey’s career with ISS hasn’t all been plain sailing. “My lowest point within ISS was being put on furlough for two months,” she explains. “It had a big impact on my confidence and took a toll on my mental health, as I felt I didn’t belong. I took it very personally.”
But, being on furlough strengthened Tracey’s resolve. “Upon my return to work the experience made me more determined to enhance my career progression within the company.”
Taking on an apprenticeship
Training is a subject close to Tracey’s heart. “I think it’s important that ISS is upskilling the people it already has,” she says. “That’s what stops good people getting frustrated and leaving.”
This September, she will begin a two-year remote learning apprenticeship in account project management—a nationally recognised qualification.
This process started with her annual appraisal with her manager, David Cookman. Tracey was keen for further development opportunities that suited her talent for problem-solving, people management and mobilisation.
“Upon speaking to various Directors within my division, Robert Wilson informed me that that ISS was organising an apprenticeship for Association for Project Management, and I should apply,” Tracey says.
“At first was apprehensive, because when I met the people remotely on a Teams call who were likely to be my course mates, I noticed I was the only woman on the call, and many of them were in more senior roles.”
She admits that she was also concerned about taking on the entrance tests. “But it turns out I passed them easily enough—and that’s given me the confidence to push on.”
In the short term, Tracey is focused on making the course work alongside her day job. But she still has her eye on the future: “Development is going to be a journey, for me and for the company. It’s great that ISS is making this investment in its people and I’m glad to be one of those who benefit.”
She believes the apprenticeship will be valuable to her in her current role – but she also hopes it will help her develop the ability to support and deliver much bigger projects that are crucial for business.
“I’m proud to be taking up this opportunity,” she says. “And I hope that my experiences encourage more colleagues—especially more women—to pursue further qualifications as they advance their careers. If I can do it, they can do it!”
