Recently, Ben Wooding our CEO, had the opportunity to return to his high school and speak to the year 13 students about the career possibilities available in the industry. The visit was part of a careers day that the school organised, which featured about 30 different industries and businesses. Red Badge was there on behalf of the New Zealand Security Association, and Ben attended along with our local People and Culture Lead Ellie Webb.

For Ben, it was an awesome experience to see the interest that the students had in the security industry. He spoke to the students about the various pathways available to them, from frontline guarding services to sales, HR, and operational logistics, all of which they were surprised to hear. As a former student of the school himself, Ben was able to share his own personal story and journey. He talked to the students about how he fell into security straight out of school, working his way up to his current position as CEO of one of New Zealand’s most iconic security companies. He also emphasised that Red Badge is a people business, and that every day it provides him with a new opportunity to build high-performing teams, which is what keeps him motivated.

Rowing was also a big part of Ben’s life during high school, and he shared some of his stories of competing at the school with the students. Throughout his time at the Careers Day, Ben was able to discuss the opportunities that the security industry can provide to young people, including providing steppingstones into police, navy, and corrections professions.

Most of the students Ben talked to saw the value of security, and he hopes that his visit will inspire them to consider a career in the security industry in the future. The students left with a better understanding of the pathways available to them, and some even leaving their details in the hopes to pursue a career with Red Badge. As a company, Red Badge is committed to providing career opportunities to young people, and this visit was just one of the many ways we are working to support the next generation.