MEET OUR NEWEST SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME GRADUATES…

Earlier this year we commenced with the inaugural GSS Protection Dog Scholarship Programme. The programme is designed to provide a supported career pathway to individuals who demonstrate a passion for security (and dogs!), providing them with the necessary skills and tools they need to become a fully-qualified protection dog handler.

We’ve been absolutely delighted with the response to this initiative but more critically the outcome – which has resulted in a number of newly qualified handlers mobilised to bolster various long-term contract assignments, including our Central London focussed partnership with FHG Security. 

Two such handlers are Tim Patterson (pictured below) and Athanasios Tsellios (pictured above). 

Speaking of the programme and subsequent deployment, Tim said ‘the GSS scholarship programme was very enjoyable, really fun and a great challenge. I learned a lot on the course which gave me the confidence and skills to be able to be deployed in most operating environments with my new dog. The west-end location I have been assigned to is a really great start to my dog handling career as every shift presents a new and unique challenge. The GSS and FGH Teams have been both really patient and supportive. As far as my training goes, I could not have asked for a better start’

Also speaking about the programme, Athanasios said ‘I would like to thank Kevin, Dave and everyone in the GSS team for their invaluable support during my training period. I really enjoy working as part of my new team and everyone here has been really helpful in making my transition as a UK-based dog handler seamless. I’ve learned so much already in my time with GSS and I’m looking forward to continuing my development and challenging myself’. 

Both Tim and Athanasios have settled into life at GSS brilliantly and we’d also like to pass on gratitude to our partner FGH Security for making them feel like a welcomed part of the team.

We will imminently be launching the next scholarship programme and inviting applications from Dec 2021. Please feel free to share this with anyone you may know that is looking for a supported career change.