Billy Young's Blog - Posts Tagged "sia"
23rd May 2015
I'm booked in to redo the SIA course next week. I had to phone the company that the course again on Wednesday. Within an hour of that I had gotten the confirmation email. The extra time to study will hopefully see me through the course to a pass and help me towards finding a job in the security industry.
In the garden I have been forced to replant some seeds. I still have to plant the corn again. Like last year it doesn't seem to wish to grow. I'm not ready to give up yet though. I replanted the peppers, courgette, and cucumber. I notice the carrots were springing into life when I was out. While the peas. onions, and potatoes are all going strong. As are the fruit trees as well as the bushes and strawberries. So everything is looking great in the garden so far. I will need to feed my plants in a few weeks as the soil that they are in must be needing some nutrition with the years it has been worked. Yeah I know I fed the plants last year but you have to continue every year. You never get time off from that.
I completed the chain for Calum though now he needs a box for it to go in. When he gets that he says he will put it up for sale. I am still not sure that he will get what he is hoping for but we will see. If he does I know that I will be expected to go into over drive and make more. I'll not hold my breath for that though. I did enjoy the creative process though and would be happy to make more if he does achieve the profit he expects. Jewellery making, working with silver, well it is one of my hobbies...
In the garden I have been forced to replant some seeds. I still have to plant the corn again. Like last year it doesn't seem to wish to grow. I'm not ready to give up yet though. I replanted the peppers, courgette, and cucumber. I notice the carrots were springing into life when I was out. While the peas. onions, and potatoes are all going strong. As are the fruit trees as well as the bushes and strawberries. So everything is looking great in the garden so far. I will need to feed my plants in a few weeks as the soil that they are in must be needing some nutrition with the years it has been worked. Yeah I know I fed the plants last year but you have to continue every year. You never get time off from that.
I completed the chain for Calum though now he needs a box for it to go in. When he gets that he says he will put it up for sale. I am still not sure that he will get what he is hoping for but we will see. If he does I know that I will be expected to go into over drive and make more. I'll not hold my breath for that though. I did enjoy the creative process though and would be happy to make more if he does achieve the profit he expects. Jewellery making, working with silver, well it is one of my hobbies...
30th May 2015
I completed the SIA course on CCTV. Now I have to wait to see if I passed the tests. I do know I sailed through the practical side which meant that I didn't have to go in on Friday to redo it. Yes all the test were completed on Thursday which I was glad as it gave me yesterday to relax after the stress of the week. When I say stress really I just mean the pressure I was putting myself under. I was glad I did redo the whole course as I don't think I would have had a chance of passing without doing so. How do I think I have done? Well in the first test I think I may have just scraped it but I am more confident of the second. Now I have to wait though for confirmation of passing. Of course I could be wrong and failed somewhere though I don't want to think that way. I wish to remain hopeful. Until I do have the results I am not allowed to apply for jobs in the security sector according to the SIA site. Once I have the certificate proving I passed the course then I can move forward to get a job as I wait for my licence. I hope to get help for paying for it from the Jobcentre. My advisor did say they may help with the cost. After all £220 is a lot of money when you are looking for work.
Magz bought a holly bush this week which I was out planting in the front garden for her. I also put the tomato plants in the sack we plan to grow them in this year. I am impatiently waiting for the seeds I replanted last week to begin to show signs of life. I know it is a bit soon to expect anything but... Well you know. I will need to get out and do some weeding though. As usual for this time of year native plant life is on the march so the war of weeds begins again, hehehe.
Magz bought a holly bush this week which I was out planting in the front garden for her. I also put the tomato plants in the sack we plan to grow them in this year. I am impatiently waiting for the seeds I replanted last week to begin to show signs of life. I know it is a bit soon to expect anything but... Well you know. I will need to get out and do some weeding though. As usual for this time of year native plant life is on the march so the war of weeds begins again, hehehe.
13th June 2015
I turned another year older this week. My son got me a computer game, Witcher 3. I've started playing it after the new update to Elite Dangerous cause numerous problems whilst jumping from one system to another. Having travelled over 21000 light years in the game from human occupied space it grew quite frustrating being booted from the game. In the end I was needing to take a break or be put off of the game for good. In the meantime I now have the next instalment of the Witcher series. The graphics are truly great but learning to make the most of the game is taking time, as always. Well more so as I get older. It was only a few years ago that I found everything easy to pick up from new. I wish it was still as easy but in the last year or so it seems to take a bit more of an effort on my side.
For that reason I was glad that when it came to the SIA CCTV course I was on that I got to sit through the course twice before sitting the exam. I think that is the only reason I passed it on the first sit. Yes I got my certificate this week confirming that I was successful. I have begun the process of getting my SIA licence and am hoping that the jobcentre will help me with the £220 cost of it. I was at the jobcentre on Thursday to see my advisor but she wasn't able to see me then so I will see her on Monday and with a bit of luck. In the meantime I have begun t query employers as I have the certificate as proof that I have done the necessary course. Though getting the licence is still important as that is what employer will really be looking for.
For that reason I was glad that when it came to the SIA CCTV course I was on that I got to sit through the course twice before sitting the exam. I think that is the only reason I passed it on the first sit. Yes I got my certificate this week confirming that I was successful. I have begun the process of getting my SIA licence and am hoping that the jobcentre will help me with the £220 cost of it. I was at the jobcentre on Thursday to see my advisor but she wasn't able to see me then so I will see her on Monday and with a bit of luck. In the meantime I have begun t query employers as I have the certificate as proof that I have done the necessary course. Though getting the licence is still important as that is what employer will really be looking for.
20th June 2015
Tammy and me are just back in from the garden. We were picking/cutting rhubarb and what a crop we got. I actually think we have too much for our needs which shows me that I need to divide the root at the end of the season. I would love for the half I take out to go to someone but I don't know anyone that wants it. Well that is the way the cookie crumbles, hehehe. I have cherries this year but the birds have noticed the trees aren't protected so have begun feasting on the green fruit. Hopefully they will leave some to go red. Then maybe Magz will get to taste some. Sadly all the replanting hasn't come to anything which means no lettuce this year or peppers, cucumber, courgette, and sweet corn. Maybe next year if they don't come up in the coming week.
I am to get funding towards my SIA badge. I got an email to go in on Tuesday coming to sign some paper work. That is a lot off f my shoulders as without help I would have had to put it on the never-never card. When you don't have a job that is the last thing you need to do is build up debt. Though I have been applying for jobs in the security sector I still haven't heard anything back yet but it is still early days I suppose. I just need to give it the time it needs. Easier said though.
I gave up on the Witcher 3 game. I became to frustrated at it fairly quickly which led to Calum and myself arguing. He loves the game and I didn't. I in truth was not in the right frame of mind to learn another game. By that I mean the controls and with Witcher 3 there are a lot of keys to remember to get the most from it. Some are your standard "wads" But there are others. It is the others you need to learn and it all got too much for my little mind to absorb. What happened to keeping things simple?
I am to get funding towards my SIA badge. I got an email to go in on Tuesday coming to sign some paper work. That is a lot off f my shoulders as without help I would have had to put it on the never-never card. When you don't have a job that is the last thing you need to do is build up debt. Though I have been applying for jobs in the security sector I still haven't heard anything back yet but it is still early days I suppose. I just need to give it the time it needs. Easier said though.
I gave up on the Witcher 3 game. I became to frustrated at it fairly quickly which led to Calum and myself arguing. He loves the game and I didn't. I in truth was not in the right frame of mind to learn another game. By that I mean the controls and with Witcher 3 there are a lot of keys to remember to get the most from it. Some are your standard "wads" But there are others. It is the others you need to learn and it all got too much for my little mind to absorb. What happened to keeping things simple?
27th June 2015
Well I have now paid for the SIA badge. I have now to wait for all my documents and security checks to clear and they should send me my badge in the coming few weeks. In the meantime I continue with job hunting and sending my CV via email to possible employers. It all really goes without saying I suppose but it is good to repeat to keep your focused on get back into work. It is easy to fall into lethargy as time passes without so much as a rejection email from applications sent. I was lucky in that sense this week as I got just that, a rejection that is. Though it wasn't the outcome I wanted it did remind me that someone is behind the faceless web applications we all fill out these days. After sending countless number over the past few months without any word back it was good.
Magz might get some cherries from our trees this year. There are a few cherries swelling nicely on them. Though with the local bird-life I will have to be quick when I see them go red. Talking of the garden I seem to have a lot of snails this year even though I have put down plenty of pellets to deal with the problem. I will actually need to get more pellets if my tomatoes are to survive as they have come attack in the past day or so and just when they were showing signs of shooting up.
Magz is still wondering what to do with all the rhubarb that was picked last week. Yeah I was hoping for crumble and I still am. Keep your fingers crossed for me, hehehe.
Magz might get some cherries from our trees this year. There are a few cherries swelling nicely on them. Though with the local bird-life I will have to be quick when I see them go red. Talking of the garden I seem to have a lot of snails this year even though I have put down plenty of pellets to deal with the problem. I will actually need to get more pellets if my tomatoes are to survive as they have come attack in the past day or so and just when they were showing signs of shooting up.
Magz is still wondering what to do with all the rhubarb that was picked last week. Yeah I was hoping for crumble and I still am. Keep your fingers crossed for me, hehehe.
4th July 2015
Just stopped working on another silver chain for Calum. This time it is a Wiggly chain that I am making and he wants some stone pendants hanging from it. This chain is easier though than the last one I did but it is the first time I have done this style so more enjoyable for that.
This week has seen a lot of heat even if the sun has been shy. Though yesterday it did break through to make a lovely summers day. My garden plants must have enjoyed it. My carrots, potatoes, and the herbs are doing really well, When I say herbs that is other than the rosemary which I think I will need to put in a separate tub with some sand mixed through the compost. Mind I will need to get the sand for that and with money on the low side it will need to wait just now.
I got my ID back from the SIA this week. I was glad to see they didn't need them for long and they were quick to return them. Now I have to be patient will they do their security checks before making the decision on whether or not to give me a licence to work as a CCTV operator. Of course unless they have a reason to turn your application down then you shouldn't have a problem getting the licence. Still waiting for the decision is the hard part and that can take 5 weeks. It seems like a long time, and in some ways is, though in this age with all the recent events in the world an understandable one. We you wouldn't want them letting the wrong individuals work in security let alone CCTV. My hope if I do get a job in a control room that I do a good job.
This week has seen a lot of heat even if the sun has been shy. Though yesterday it did break through to make a lovely summers day. My garden plants must have enjoyed it. My carrots, potatoes, and the herbs are doing really well, When I say herbs that is other than the rosemary which I think I will need to put in a separate tub with some sand mixed through the compost. Mind I will need to get the sand for that and with money on the low side it will need to wait just now.
I got my ID back from the SIA this week. I was glad to see they didn't need them for long and they were quick to return them. Now I have to be patient will they do their security checks before making the decision on whether or not to give me a licence to work as a CCTV operator. Of course unless they have a reason to turn your application down then you shouldn't have a problem getting the licence. Still waiting for the decision is the hard part and that can take 5 weeks. It seems like a long time, and in some ways is, though in this age with all the recent events in the world an understandable one. We you wouldn't want them letting the wrong individuals work in security let alone CCTV. My hope if I do get a job in a control room that I do a good job.
11th July 2015
Still waiting on the SIA to decide if they are giving me the security badge as CCTV operator. I know it hasn't been that long so far and it can take up to five weeks for them to do all their checks before making a decision. I just seem to have little patients for the long wait. One good thing was that I did get my disclosure Scotland document this week. That means that the SIA must have gotten it as well which means they must be closer to completing their process. At least I would think they were though when checking their site I found that things don't seem to have changed. That I think is why I feel as if I am in limbo which as you can tell is a bit of a weight.
I the meantime I have been working on the chain I spoke of last week. To go with the necklace I have also made a bracelet to go with it in the same style. Well it would be wouldn't it, hehehe. I still have the catches to make for it. Calum, who is away at T in the Park, wants me to do some bar catches for them. Me being me, I want to make them different from the normal by soldering three silver wires together from the same gauge as I used to make the links. Why? I hear you ask. Well I just think it would look good and also more unique as well as interesting. So it might make them stand out more to anyone wishing to buy them. Well that is what Calum plans for them once I have completed them.
Magz enjoyed our first cherry from our garden this week. I was watching closely so the local bird life wouldn't get them before me. That does mean that the trees have saved themselves from my saw. I had been planning to get rid of them if they didn't produce fruit this year. I was fed up with them not giving fruit in past years. Some of that was due to the weather, well most of it, but I had given up on ever getting fruit from them. Well they now survive for a few more years to come. And the good thing is there is more to ripen so Magz is happily looking forwards to them.
I the meantime I have been working on the chain I spoke of last week. To go with the necklace I have also made a bracelet to go with it in the same style. Well it would be wouldn't it, hehehe. I still have the catches to make for it. Calum, who is away at T in the Park, wants me to do some bar catches for them. Me being me, I want to make them different from the normal by soldering three silver wires together from the same gauge as I used to make the links. Why? I hear you ask. Well I just think it would look good and also more unique as well as interesting. So it might make them stand out more to anyone wishing to buy them. Well that is what Calum plans for them once I have completed them.
Magz enjoyed our first cherry from our garden this week. I was watching closely so the local bird life wouldn't get them before me. That does mean that the trees have saved themselves from my saw. I had been planning to get rid of them if they didn't produce fruit this year. I was fed up with them not giving fruit in past years. Some of that was due to the weather, well most of it, but I had given up on ever getting fruit from them. Well they now survive for a few more years to come. And the good thing is there is more to ripen so Magz is happily looking forwards to them.
18th July 2015
Got my SIA badge Thursday. I had checked on the SIA website earlier in the week and was happy when I saw that they had finally cleared me for it. Since I got it I have updated my CV. I've also started sending out the newest version of this to employers via email. Hopefully now I have the card it will lead to me earning a living again. Unemployment is driving me mad. I mean days merge into one. My energy levels seem to be dwindling. It takes more effort just to do anything. Take this week, I had the chains I'm doing for Calum. All that has to be done as I said last week is the catches. Somehow the week has past me by and I still haven't even started those catches. How long would it take me? Maybe a couple of hours a day for possibly three days at most. That would be me taking it easy. So not much time yet I have done nothing on the chains. Not even looked at them. I have continued the important part of looking for work. Though that has been me forcing myself to keep up on that. I did manage to do the garden this week which is a something. Yeah keeping your spirits up after months of joblessness is not a simple thing. I really will need to push myself now.
15th August 2015
Booked my self onto another SIA course. This time thankfully it is in Killie so not far to travel. I thought since I still haven't found work that it would be good to get another badge. This one will be for Door Supervisor. I have to use my ILA funding for it but that is what it is for after all. The course starts on Tuesday and only last four days so not a long course. My son had a book on the course from when he was going on one last year. Of course he got a job so dropped out of the course. The book is giving me a head start which hopefully help me pass the course. Keep fingers crossed.
While playing my game, Elite Dangerous, last night I became distracted talking to Calum. Well not the best way to play a space sim. Anyways thirty thousand light plus years from Sol and I ran out of fuel. I have appealed to the Fuel Rats for help and one is making his way towards me. He should with any luck deliver some fuel today or tomorrow. In a way it is quite exciting to have to be saved from certain death so to speak. After six months of travelling it would be a right knock to have to begin the journey again. I have insurance so I would get y Asp beck but I would need to do the whole trade grind again to replace the insurance cash. And at the same time I would lose all the data that I have collected over the months I have been out. Well hopefully my rescuer will get to me before my ship dies.
I got some peas from the garden today. When I say some I mean a handful. Enough maybe for one. With the wet summer not much has been doing well in the garden. The potatoes will need pulling soon as the shaws are dying off. The carrots look like they might be one of the few things which haven't been to badly affected with the adverse weather this year. Time will tell.
The jobcentre have said that they will be sending me on a back to work programme. That is where I will be place with an employer to work for a month and not get paid anything but my unemployment money. I haven't got a choice in the matter apparently. I am not sure if it is good thing or not. It feels like slave labour or at least very close to it. Though when I don't have a choice what can I do about it. Of course there is the old saying too, "beggars can't be choosers." Though it does feel wrong.
While playing my game, Elite Dangerous, last night I became distracted talking to Calum. Well not the best way to play a space sim. Anyways thirty thousand light plus years from Sol and I ran out of fuel. I have appealed to the Fuel Rats for help and one is making his way towards me. He should with any luck deliver some fuel today or tomorrow. In a way it is quite exciting to have to be saved from certain death so to speak. After six months of travelling it would be a right knock to have to begin the journey again. I have insurance so I would get y Asp beck but I would need to do the whole trade grind again to replace the insurance cash. And at the same time I would lose all the data that I have collected over the months I have been out. Well hopefully my rescuer will get to me before my ship dies.
I got some peas from the garden today. When I say some I mean a handful. Enough maybe for one. With the wet summer not much has been doing well in the garden. The potatoes will need pulling soon as the shaws are dying off. The carrots look like they might be one of the few things which haven't been to badly affected with the adverse weather this year. Time will tell.
The jobcentre have said that they will be sending me on a back to work programme. That is where I will be place with an employer to work for a month and not get paid anything but my unemployment money. I haven't got a choice in the matter apparently. I am not sure if it is good thing or not. It feels like slave labour or at least very close to it. Though when I don't have a choice what can I do about it. Of course there is the old saying too, "beggars can't be choosers." Though it does feel wrong.
22nd August 2015
My daughter and myself have just come in from potato picking. I went out to check on the garden as I haven't had much time this week with me being on the course I told you of last week. Anyways the first thing I noticed was that the tattie shaws had totally died off over the past week. So it was time to retrieve the tubers. Of course I can't do this job without my daughter as she would murder me if I tried. It is one of those daughter-father jobs. We got a good bag full from the two sacks I grow the potatoes in. Better than it has been in the last couple of years. I am looking forward to having some for dinner tomorrow as Magz has already planned tonight's meal.
I completed the SIA course I was on this week yesterday. I felt that the tests went well but I did almost mess up. I skipped a question in the multiple choice and only just caught myself three questions on. Luckily there was plenty of time to correct my mistake. I know I passed the practical section of the course as you find that out after you do that one. It is to do with restraint techniques and breaking away from those who may attack you as well as breaking up fights. Hopefully I don't have to much of that to do if I get a job in the security sector. Really the best job would be a night watchman or control-room staff member. But that is me jumping the gun as any job will do at the moment. I do think I have passed these test though and I am more confident than I was when I did the CCTV ones. Time will tell though.
I completed the SIA course I was on this week yesterday. I felt that the tests went well but I did almost mess up. I skipped a question in the multiple choice and only just caught myself three questions on. Luckily there was plenty of time to correct my mistake. I know I passed the practical section of the course as you find that out after you do that one. It is to do with restraint techniques and breaking away from those who may attack you as well as breaking up fights. Hopefully I don't have to much of that to do if I get a job in the security sector. Really the best job would be a night watchman or control-room staff member. But that is me jumping the gun as any job will do at the moment. I do think I have passed these test though and I am more confident than I was when I did the CCTV ones. Time will tell though.
