CSR Agency UK | Bespoke Educational Social Impact Courses
Key Responsibilities
• Monitoring systems
• Responding to alarms and emergencies
• Data logging and reporting
• Communication and coordination
• System adjustments and control
• Safety and compliance
• Routine inspections and diagnostics
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Salary Range
Entry-Level
Experienced
Essential Skills
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are vital for relaying information to colleagues and responding to public inquiries, especially in emergency situations.
• Decision-making: Control room operators need to be able to analyze situations quickly and make sound decisions under pressure, often with limited information.
• Problem-solving: The ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently is crucial, as control rooms often handle complex and evolving problems.
• Technical skills: Operators need to be familiar with the equipment and systems they use, including CCTV, communication systems, and other relevant technology.
• Active listening: Being able to listen attentively and interpret information accurately is essential for understanding situations and responding effectively.
• Prioritization: In high-pressure situations, operators need to be able to prioritize tasks and focus on the most critical issues.
• Teamwork: Effective communication and collaboration with colleagues are essential for coordinating efforts and responding to incidents efficiently.
• Stress management: Working under pressure and dealing with difficult situations requires resilience and the ability to remain calm under stress.
• Adaptability: Control rooms often handle unexpected events, so operators need to be able to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively.
• Detail-orientation: Maintaining accurate records and documenting incidents accurately is crucial for ensuring accountability and follow-up.
• Situational awareness: Being aware of the surroundings and understanding the broader context of incidents is important for making informed decisions.
Training Providers in the UK
• RW Consulting Solutions Ltd:
Offers Control Room Operations Management (CROM) training, focusing on preparing for, managing, and recovering from disruptions, including modules on risk assessment, planning, and response
The CPD Certification Service - CPD Accreditation | Continuing Professional Development
• East Coast Energy Training Academy:
Provides training on controlling emergencies, focusing on developing skills and competence to meet industry guidelines for emergency response.
Control Room Operator - Controlling Emergencies (Training & Assessment) - East Coast Energy Training Academy
• NPSA:
The National Protective Security Authority offers courses on responding to terrorist incidents, specifically for Security Control Room (SCR) operators and managers
Responding to Terrorist Incidents – Security Control Room (SCR) Operators Course | NPSA
• ASET:
International Energy Training Academy provides Control Room Operator (CRO) Emergency Response training, utilizing simulated environments and focusing on real-world scenarios
Control Room Operator - Controlling Emergencies (Training & Assessment) - East Coast Energy Training Academy
• TAVCOM:
Offers advanced control room skills training, including CCTV control room refreshes
CCTV Control Room Refresher – TAVCOM
Qualifications and Training
Many employers look for a basic level of education, with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths often being a minimum requirement. Some may also prefer GCSEs in science.
Some employers prefer a more specialised qualification, like a BTEC level 3 or NVQ. Specific skills in customer service, IT, and communication are also highly valued.
While a specific "Control Room Operator Apprenticeship" may not be the official title, several opportunities exist in South Wales for apprenticeships that lead to roles in control rooms, particularly within emergency services and potentially in utilities. South Wales Police offers apprenticeships for 999/101 call handlers, which involves significant control room work. Additionally, Careers Wales mentions the Level 3 Emergency Contact Handler Apprenticeship as an option.
• SIA CCTV Licence: This is a fundamental requirement for control room operators handling surveillance systems. It's obtained through an SIA CCTV Operator Training course and includes exams and practical assessments.
• SIA Security Guard/Door Supervisor Licences: Some companies may require these in addition to the CCTV Licence, especially for roles involving broader security duties.
• OPITO Certifications: For offshore control room operators, OPITO (Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization) offers various courses and certifications. These may include specific training in command, control, communications, process upsets, data logging, and stress management.
• Control Room Operations Management (CROM) Training: This type of training focuses on the general aspects of control room operations, including roles and responsibilities, information management, and systems and communications.
Employment Opportunities in the UK
• Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm – Control Room Operator:
Monitor and control the operation of the Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm, coordinating offshore personnel and vessels to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Neart Na Gaoithe (NnG) Offshore Wind Farm – Control • Room Technician:
Operate the Eyemouth Control Room, monitoring and controlling the 450MW offshore wind farm, coordinating offshore personnel and vessels, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• National Grid – Control Room Operator:
Remotely monitor and control the operation of HVDC interconnectors linking the UK with Norway and Denmark, ensuring safe and efficient energy transmission.
• E.ON – Control Room Operator:
Operate the Central Control Room at Citigen, monitoring and controlling energy systems to ensure reliable and efficient service delivery
• Windsor – Control Room Operator (Energy & Controls Centre):
Support and monitor generators such as peaking power plants, battery energy storage systems, combined heat and power units, and solar PV within a 24/7 control room environment.