It Matters at AlliedBarton

Apr 1, 2006 12:00 PM

AlliedBarton Security Services, King of Prussia, Pa., offers training through three kinds of programs: the classroom, the Web and books.

More than 75,000 people have completed a class on the Web since 2001. Classes offered online are security-specific and personal-development classes. Training professors are a group of employees that are full-time trainers. Around 80 training professionals work throughout the company.

AlliedBarton's corporate philosophy is “Quality People, Quality Training, Quality Security.” Its more than 38,000 employees serve more than 100 of the Fortune 500 companies and in various business sectors. “We are very proud of our training program, its track record and of our employees who are committed to excellence every day,” CEO Bill Whitmore says. “We strive for ongoing improvement in the training arena.” The company was included in Training magazines's Top 100 list.

Officers must be skilled in the core fundamentals of security and then be taught the nuances of a particular client's requirements. While training to become an officer, employees also learn management skills. The company's focus on the employee is aimed at keeping officers around. Sometimes an experienced officer can make all the difference in a crisis and in training a new employee.

“Our annual customer retention rate is approximately 90 percent, and we believe our training program has a lot to do with the high percentage,” says Mike Phelan, vice president of training for AlliedBarton. “In our field, your performance is what matters to your client. Our program focuses on training employees to become top-notch security officers while also preparing them for roles in management. Training is essential to servicing our clients, to retaining the best employees and to building a culture of excellence.”

AlliedBarton staffs the Orlando City Hall with 11 guards for around-the-clock surveillance. “They are a responsive and professional group,” Chris Robinson, facility manager for Jones Lang LaSalle at the city hall. “Their training is proactive.”

Training magazine chooses it top 100 companies based on corporate training policies reported in an online survey and 18-page application with questions about training programs and processes. “We have customers that say they stay with us because of the training program,” Phelan says.

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