So what can you get from attending a fashion school in Milan?

1) Experience – Being in the center of the fashion capital means that you have the chance to see your education in action. You have a chance to see just how fashion works in the real world. Experience is something that you truly need when you want to be the best at something. Attending a fashion school in Milan is like attending boot camp in the middle of Iraq.

Experience will help you get the best jobs because experience is the best teacher around. Experience will teach you how to react in certain situations. Experience will teach you what to do and how and when to do it.

2) Competition – Since Milan is the fashion capital, it is only natural that people all over the place are competing with each other for the top spot. This would help you become more competitive when you are in the business. You will learn how to deal with the intense pressure of having competition breathing down your neck. You will learn how to respond to criticism by improving your work.

Stiff competition is the best thing that can help the development of your talent in fashion. By going to a fashion school in Milan, you are putting yourself through the test of the flame.

3) Discipline – Because of the high expectations of fashion schools in Milan, you will learn how to discipline yourself and this will help you succeed in life. Fashion, although it involves creativity, requires a lot of discipline in order to master. You will need to avoid various distractions and concentrate on your work. By learning how to do this, you can be sure that your talent will bring you to the top.

4) Opportunity – When you go to a fashion school in Milan, you will be opening your doors to all sorts of opportunities. Attending a fashion school in Milan means having the opportunity to scout the industry for when you graduate. Because of this, you will be ahead at finding a job within the fashion industry. You will be able to establish connections and get to know the players. A good fashion school in Milan will also be able to supply you with some contacts in order to get you started with your career. Now that is helpful.

5) Resume – If you are trying to look for work in the fashion industry, the name of a fashion school in Milan would be a fine addition to your resume. Everyone knows about Milan, and most people would equate it with high quality fashion education. Here is a little secret about resumes -companies rarely read them. Basically, if a company is hiring, the boss will just skim through your resume for any interesting detail. Having the name of a fashion school in Milan written in your resume may be just what you need to find your dream job. There are so many things that studying at a fashion school in Milan can give you!

Am I the only one just a little bit concerned about the lack of specific ideas on fixing the economy by all of the current presidential candidates? They are quick to hit all of the hot button no brainer political issues like the war in Iraq, healthcare, oil prices etc. but when it comes to talking about the economy we hear more ideals than we do ideas. Phrases such as “I will protect the middle class” or “Americans deserve to work hard and be successful” are commonplace. The question is what are you as a presidential candidate going to do in this global economy to stimulate new jobs and reduce the outsourcing of current American jobs? I believe one huge step toward these goals would be for the government to invest in the proliferation of new web technologies and in education in the web technology sector.

How would this be accomplished? Right now the U.S. government provides grants to states to prepare workers for new and emerging industries. By increasing this funding and setting aside a certain amount for web technology grants the government would provide a big boost of capital for this emerging industry. Also, the government could provide small business loans to businesses in the web technology sector to provide access to middle class Americans. Finally, by increasing funding for web technology education the government would provide a boost to the level of skilled labor in the market.

Why web technology? If we are looking to provide quality opportunities for middle class Americans this is the place to start. Startup costs for a web business are low. The web is the great equalizer in that if you have a good idea and you can create a web presence the payoff can be immense. You see it every day now that the internet is doing away with the need for newspapers, movies, even television. Advertising dollars are slowly migrating to the web. Our economy is moving there as well but unfortunately our leaders don’t have the forethought to move it out of the industrial age just yet. By making a big push in this sector the United States would gain a huge economic advantage in the global economy which would create new jobs and possible reduce the outsourcing of jobs. It is time to retrain our workforce to operate in the new web economy. Unfortunately, our current presidential candidates do not seem to find this notion politically satisfying.

All was okay until recently. There has been an increase in violence directed at expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Most of the oil and gas professionals working in various oil companies in the region are expatriates.  Meanwhile local unemployment has been growing; Arthur Little’s report released this week highlights how this problem has been growing in the region. Yemen’s unemployment rate is 36%, Saudi Arabia’s is creeping up to 14%. Resentment over “foreigners” taking away various oil and gas jobs too could be one of the factors for these attacks. Though recruiting more local workers for oil and gas jobs seems to be the way forward, oil companies now faces a shortage of local oil and gas worker for qualified positions like project engineer  and engineering graduates alike.

Finally the cost of expats, typically 2-5 times higher than locals, is also more difficult for National Oil Companies to bear. With the populace seeking to “share the wealth” (eg, the agitations in the Niger delta) governments are interested in greater knowledge transfer, upskilling and general hiring of local talents for jobs in oil and gas industry. The Dept. of Petroleum Resources, Nigeria has recently issued a directive to oil and gas companies to hire local talents instead of expatriates for oil field jobs. Similar guidelines are already being provided by licensing and governing bodies in growth regions such as Libya and Iraq.

Instead of viewing such directives as a handicap, International oil companies should make most of the situation to cement their relationships with national governing bodies, while National Oil Companies can build up their image as national champions; giving practical solutions for their country’s expatriates dependence in the future energy industry. National oil companies’ aspiration to play a major role in the international energy market is very closely related to building local capability. As they venture into other countries, they will need the expertise right from geologists and drilling engineers to petroleum engineers and refinery engineers to manage their growing international operations.

There is a financial imperative to this calculus too. Block awards and renewals are increasingly tied contractually to local workforce development. International oil companies also worry about the approximate 50% of the current expatriate workforce that will retire by the next decade. There is no time like now to build a local workforce that will not only deliver the project at hand but may also be a springboard for regional expansion.

In addition to IBM’s advertisements for Developers, Sales Professionals, Technology Architects, and Development Engineers, IBM recently announced they are opening a new Technology Delivery Services Center in Dubuque, IA and planning to hire 1,300 professionals to “support US Strategic outsourcing clients, providing server systems operations, security services, and end user services, including maintenance and monitoring of computer hardware and software systems.” This new facility was supported by about $50M of state and local government incentives. IBM also just announced hiring 240 manufacturing and maintenance workers for its Essex Junction, VT Microelectronics plant, to meet surging demand for components found in cell phones and DVDs.

With a strong winning streak in defense contracts offsetting its lagging Gulfstream division, General Dynamics has been hiring technologists to create and deploy military and police informatics. General Dynamics is building new technologies for government agencies, the military, police and firefighters – turning vehicles into communication command centers to track and transfer information to field personnel. In addition, “While other large contractors face possible cuts in many of their largest programs, the budget as proposed in April called for General Dynamics to build three new destroyers for roughly $2.5 billion apiece” wrote Steven Halpern in TheStockAdvisors.com.

Raytheon is hiring because they also are landing defense contracts. According to Motley Fool, “Raytheon hopes to sell billions of dollars worth of Patriot missiles to countries ranging from Turkey to Iraq to the UAE. Meanwhile, Raytheon looks poised to enter its recently licensed KillerBee into two of the Pentagon’s largest UAV contests. Victory in either one could leapfrog Raytheon to the forefront of this nascent industry.”

It is interesting to see strong hiring activity by Comcast Cable. Barbara Hagen, market vice president and general manager for Comcast stated “With the incredible popularity of digital cable and HDTV, high-speed Internet service and Comcast Digital Voice, the demand for our products and services has never been greater.”

While AT&T is hiring heavily for retail sales and management, about 20% of AT&T’s ads are for developers, programmers, engineering and technology positions. “Despite these difficult economic times, our business continues to grow. These are good jobs with wages and benefits that are among the best in the nation.” said Steve Krom, vice president and general manager, AT&T.

Based on reports by Wanted Technologies that forecast hiring demand, financial institutions that have begun repaying TARP funds are beginning expansion, including industry financial services giant JPMorgan Chase. But they aren’t just hiring tellers…they’re hiring developers, project managers, business analysts, QA, and applications support professionals.

Confused why Sun is posting so many ads, when they’re not doing so well and about to be acquired by Oracle? Don’t get too excited – These are all ads for Sun Certification training.

Top Technology Hiring Organizations – September 2009

• IBM
• Deloitte
• General Dynamics – IT
• SAIC
• Raytheon
• Northrop Grumman
• UnitedHealth Group
• Lockheed Martin
• BAE SYSTEMS
• CSC
• ITT Educational Services
• U.S. Army
• ManTech International Corporation
• Comcast Cable
• AT&T
• Universal Health Services
• Microsoft
• Siemens
• Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC)
• Axelon Services
• Federal Government Jobs
• Affiliated Computer Services
• JPMorgan Chase
• U.S. Navy
• GE
• U.S. Army Medical Corps
• Sun Microsystems
• EMC Corp.
• Harris Corp.
• Yahoo! Inc
• Dell Computer Corp.

Sources: CareerBuilder, Dice, HotJobs, Indeed, SimplyHired. Monster does not list industry jobs by company. Excluded: Recruiters & Staffing firms.

Readers – If you know of employers announcing significant hiring plans, or employers actively adding large numbers of employees, please comment below to add to this list.

Trackback: http://www.recareered.blogspot.com/2009/10/whos-hiring-in-technology-september.html

How many of these countries are the recipients of American jobs that have been transferred overseas? Could American jobs be the new currency that the politicians and rich are using to pay back this tremendous and constantly growing debt?

We all know that the U.S. dollar is no longer backed by gold. Or any other hard currency.

I think that rather than pay back this huge debt, the rich and politicians are splitting the profits and then “squeezing” us the American people for more work and less pay. And also”bartering” our jobs, small local businesses, and properties away overseas to repay debts.

I think that’s what Bill Clinton’s N.A.F.T.A. was all about. Bartering our jobs away as a collateral to repay future debt. So the rich could continue pocket more profits!

Check these numbers out!

MAJOR FOREIGN HOLDERS OF TREASURY SECURITIES ( in Billions of dollars )

HOLDINGS 1/ AT END OF PERIOD Nov 2009

Country

China, Mainland 789.6 Billion

Japan 757.3 Billion

United Kingdom 2/ 277.5 Billion

Oil Exporters 3/ 187.7 Billion

Carib Bnkng Ctrs 179.8 Billion

Brazil 157.1 Billion

Hong Kong 146.2 Billion

Russia 128.1 Billion

Luxembourg 91.7 Billion

Taiwan 78.4 Billion

Switzerland 75.8 Billion

Germany 53.6 Billion France 47.5 Billion

Canada 46.6 Billion

Korea, South 39.1 Billion

Ireland 38.8 Billion

Singapore 36.4 Billion

Thailand 31.7 Billion

India 31.6 Billion

Turkey 29.6 Billion

Norway 26.2 Billion

Mexico 26.2 Billion

Egypt 25.3 Billion

Netherlands 20.3 Billion

Sweden 19.4 Billion

Italy 19.1 Billion

Israel 16.6 Billion

Colombia 15.6 Billion

Belgium 15.3 Billion

Chile 12.2 Billion

Philippines 12.2 Billion

Australia 11.5 Billion

Malaysia 11.1 Billion

All Other 142.3 Billion

Grand Total 3597.5 Trillion

Of which: For. Official 2404.6 Trillion

Treasury Bills 586.6 Billion

T-Bonds & Notes 1818.0 Trillion

Department of the Treasury/Federal Reserve Board January 19, 2010

1/ Estimated foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury marketable and non-marketable bills, bonds, and notes

reported under the Treasury International Capital (TIC) reporting system are based on annual

Surveys of Foreign Holdings of U.S. Securities and on monthly data.

2/ United Kingdom includes Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

3/ Oil exporters include Ecuador, Venezuela, Indonesia, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Gabon, Libya, and Nigeria.

4/ Caribbean Banking Centers include Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Netherlands Antilles and Panama.

Beginning with new series for June 2006, also includes British Virgin Islands. Source: http://www.ustreas.gov/tic/mfh.txt

How many of these countries are the recipients of American jobs that have been transferred overseas? Could American jobs be the new currency that the politicians and rich are using to pay back this tremendous and constantly growing debt?

Check the labels of everything that you purchase and take notice of how many countries on the list above produced your purchases. Those would be American jobs.
Nicholas Busbee
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It’s true that veterans – and anyone experiencing the effects of PTSD – may face day-to-day difficulties in their work environment. However, employers can play a vital role in these individuals’ recovery by recognizing the challenges associated with PTSD and making adjustments and reasonable accommodations to help ensure workplace success. And disabled veterans aren’t the only ones that stand to benefit from the implementation of workplace supports. Veterans are known to make excellent employees, so helping them succeed on the job can not only contribute to the veteran’s recovery – it can positively impact a business’s bottom line.

People with PTSD may experience some of the limitations discussed in this article, however they seldom will develop all of them. The severity of the combat stress and degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Employers should be aware that not all people with PTSD will need accommodations to perform their jobs, and many others may only need a few accommodations. However, in many cases, simple, inexpensive workplace supports can make all the difference toward a successful employment experience.

Employers should also know that unless the employee reveals, or makes available information, that they have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress, the employer will not necessarily know whether the condition is present. In fact, job applicants do not have to disclose a disability on a job application, or in a job interview, unless they need an accommodation to assist them in the application or interview process.

KEY QUESTIONS

Prior to implementing workplace accommodations for employees with post-traumatic stress, employers should ask themselves the following questions:

- What limitations is the employee with PTSD experiencing, and how do these limitations affect the employee’s job performance?

- What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?

- What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems?

- Has the employee with PTSD been consulted regarding possible accommodations?

- Do supervisory personnel and employees need training regarding PTSD and workplace accommodations?

ACCOMMODATION IDEAS

Once they have considered these questions, employers and human resource professionals will be poised to identify appropriate workplace supports that can help those with PTSD succeed on the job. The following represents only a sample of the types of accommodations and/or adjustments an employer might consider for an employee experiencing combat stress.

Memory:

- Provide written instructions

- Post written instructions for use of equipment

- Use a wall calendar

- Use a daily or weekly task list

- Provide verbal prompts and reminders

- Use electronic organizers or hand held devices

- Allow the employee to tape record meetings

- Provide written minutes of each meeting – Allow additional training time

Lack of Concentration:

- Reduce distractions in the work environment

- Provide space enclosures or a private space

- Allow for the use of white noise or environmental sound machines

- Allow the employee to play soothing music using a music player and a headset

- Increase natural lighting or increase full spectrum lighting

- Divide large assignments into smaller goal-oriented tasks or steps

- Plan for uninterrupted work time

Time Management/Performing or Completing Tasks:

- Make daily “TO-DO” lists and check items off as they are completed

- Divide large assignments into smaller tasks and steps

- Schedule weekly meetings with supervisor, manager or mentor to determine if goals are being met

- Remind employee of important deadlines via memos or e-mail

Disorganization:

- Use calendars to mark meetings and deadlines

- Use electronic organizers

- Hire a professional organizer or organizational coach

- Assign a mentor to assist the employee

Coping with Stress:

- Allow longer or more frequent work breaks

- Provide back-up coverage for when the employee needs to take breaks

- Provide additional time to learn new responsibilities

- Restructure job to include only essential functions

- Allow time off for counseling

- Assign a supervisor, manager or mentor to answer employee’s questions

Working Effectively with a Supervisor:

- Give assignments, instructions or training in writing or via e-mail

- Provide detailed day-to-day guidance and feedback

- Provide positive reinforcement

- Provide clear expectations and the consequences of not meeting expectations

- Develop strategies to deal with problems

Interacting with Co-workers:

- Encourage the employee to walk away from frustrating situations and confrontations

- Allow employee to work from home part-time

- Provide partitions or closed doors to allow for privacy

- Provide disability awareness training to coworkers and supervisors

Dealing with Emotions:

- Refer to employee assistance programs (EAP)

- Use stress management techniques to deal with frustration

- Allow the use of a support animal

- Allow telephone calls during work hours to doctors and others for needed support

- Allow frequent breaks

Sleep Disturbance:

- Allow the employee to work one consistent schedule

- Allow for a flexible start time

- Combine regularly scheduled short breaks into one longer break

- Provide a place for the employee to sleep during break

Muscle Tension or Fatigue:

- Build in “stretch breaks” during the workday

- Allow private space to meditate or do yoga

- Allow time off for physical therapy or massage therapy

- Encourage use of the company’s wellness program

Absenteeism:

- Allow for a flexible start time or end time, or work from home

- Provide straight shift or permanent schedule

- Modify attendance policy (e.g., count one occurrence for all PTSD-related absences, or allow the employee to make up the time missed)

- Consider allowing telework on occasion

Panic Attacks:

- Allow the employee to take a break and go to a place where s/he feels comfortable to use relaxation techniques or contact a support person

- Identify and remove environmental triggers such as particular smells or noises

- Allow the presence of a support animal

Headaches:

- Provide alternative lighting

- Take breaks from computer work or from reading print material

- Practice stress-relieving techniques

Every professional close protection officer knows that conventional close protection training and/or bodyguard training can never prepare you for war zone executive protection services. This is only for a serious executive protection specialist.

Given there are tens of thousands of new executive protection training recruits graduating from close protection training programmes in just about most countries every year, it is wise to carefully evaluate your long term bodyguard training goals.

It’s no secret that although the executive protection services industry is a huge growth sector of the security industry, there are far too many bodyguards chasing the high end, highly paid executive protection jobs.

One of the less crowded areas of bodyguard protection is that of war zone protective service operations. The main reason for this is, that few of the bodyguard and close protection training academies know how to train a close protection officer to survive and thrive in a war zone hostile environment.

Security experts and close protection specialists find it quite amusing when reading Resume or Curriculum Vitae from conventionally trained bodyguards claiming to be an executive protection specialist, even though they have never serviced a fee paying VIP client in anything higher than a low to medium risk contract.

One thing is certain, and that is any close protection officer with only basic close protection training entering executive protection services in a war zone environment is a huge liability. This liability transcends client safety to include inferior bodyguard protection for the team of bodyguards.

In simplistic terms these types of executive protection jobs are only for the highly trained executive protection specialist. Working with any close protection officer without war zone or hostile environment experience is likely to get people attached to your protective service detail killed.

In the 42 countries I have provided my high and extremely high risk close protection security services in, I have also attended several executive protection training or bodyguard training programmes as an adjunct close protection instructor. I have heard numerous close protection instructors informing their basic bodyguard students that their basic training is good enough for war zone environments.

This information is so far out of wack it’s incredible. However what’s even more incredible, is that although these instructors were talking the talk, none of them had actually walked the walk by personally providing protective services in a hostile environment or war zone.

Some of the world’s most reputable close protection training academies, schools and recognised industry leading close protection instructors are aware there is a huge niche in the protective service industry, in providing advanced professional bodyguard training for war zone environments.

The only reason this niche exists is because it is too costly and too financially risky, and a logistical nightmare to organise and run the first war zone executive protection training programme for the more serious executive protection specialist.

However this all changes in April 2010, as a group of industry leading close protection specialists have partnered up to run the worlds very first War Zone close protection training programme in Cyprus.

This advanced training programme will feature recognised international close protection specialist instructors from the USA, Cyprus and the UK. All of these instructors have years of extremely high risk protective service operational experience in various war zone and hostile environments.

Some are full time employed in Iraq and all hail from a military, law enforcement, intelligence or security special forces background. The war zone Cyprus training programme will train professional bodyguards in how to counter contemporary tactics and strategies employed by modern terrorist organisations.

Cyprus was chosen for its close proximity to, and similar environment to other Middle Eastern regions of conflict.

Going the extra mile in your close protection officer career means attending the very best advanced training in the world. If you are looking for highly paid executive protection jobs, then you have to consider stepping into the war zone-hostile environment executive protection services arena.

However be advised, extremely high risk bodyguard protection is not for the feint hearted, and besides the obvious risks there are other risks involved in ensuring you receive great value for your war zone close protection training.

Before you part with any finances for any type of bodyguard training you should read the following security tips.

Executive Protection Training New War Zone Bodyguard Protection Close Protection Training Tips # 1 Executive Protection Jobs

First it is worth while adopting the ‘take two paces backwards, to take one pace forward’ option. If you are reading this article, then it is likely you are already involved in executive protection services.

You may have already participated in bodyguard training, if so, then you are likely looking for executive protection jobs to recoup the money you invested in your close protection officer training.

It is worth while re-evaluating your goals and aspirations as an executive protection specialist. After training tens of thousands of bodyguards and security personnel, I have spoken to a great many who feel that once they have completed their basic training, then that is the end of their professional training and development.

This is so factually flawed that it frightens me. I have 20 plus years protective service operational experience across 4 continents of various hostile environments. I’ve survived building IED and car bomb attacks, a grenade attack, vehicle ambush, knife and physical attacks and more shoot-outs than Arnold Schwarzenegger, and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve never lost a VIP client.

Despite this vast experience, I still pay to attend advance close protection and security training programmes. Some of my proudest close protection training moments came when former members of the SAS, SBS and other international special forces attended my close protection training programmes at our Ground Zero training facility in Alabama USA.

This is the level of commitment required for war zone executive protection jobs in hostile environments.

I suggest you take a moment of reflection to contemplate whether the extremely high risk arena of protective service operations is really for you. If it is, then there are executive protection jobs out there for a highly trained executive protection specialist.

Executive Protection Training New War Zone Bodyguard Protection Close Protection Training Tips # 2 Bodyguard Training Company Due Diligence

Sadly the bodyguard training industry has received some very negative press during the last 10 years or more. Many a close protection officer has invested in what they believed was professional bodyguard training to prepare them as an executive protection specialist seeking executive protection jobs.

Unfortunately many executive protection services companies were staffed and run by cowboy bodyguards. Many of the trainee bodyguards found themselves being badly trained, and in some cases simply ripped off by conmen.

Fortunately the introduction of SIA close protection licensing in the UK and other variants of licensing in many states of the USA, has led to a reduction in the number of close protection cowboy companies and instructors.

However I strongly advise you to conduct a rigorous due diligence investigation of anyone taking money from you for close protection training. There are some great International companies renowned for providing a blue chip close protection training service, but in all honesty I can count these companies on both hands.

Executive Protection Training New War Zone Bodyguard Protection Close Protection Training Tips # 3 Bodyguards & Risk Categories

No Risk: This is a myth, as there is no such thing as a No Risk protective service operation.

Low Risk: One to two bodyguards.

Medium Risk: Two to four bodyguards.

High Risk: Four to six bodyguards.

Extremely High Risk: Over six bodyguards.

Executive Protection Training New War Zone Bodyguard Protection Close Protection Training Tips # 4 Where To Attend Your Close Protection Officer Training Programme

Straight off the bat I’m going to tell you that if you’ve paid for, and attended basic bodyguard training of less than 500 hours, and invested less than £8,000 or $12,000 dollars in your close protection continuous professional development, then you are probably not the executive protection specialist you may have been led to believe you are.

The executive protection services industry is an organic industry, and as such all professional bodyguard training needs to be refreshed, updated and re-certified frequently.

If you have aspirations of gaining executive protection jobs as a highly trained close protection officer then you need to step out of your comfort zone and attend a difficult advanced training programme like the one already mentioned in Cyprus.

Professional bodyguards who do this have the most success in the jobs market.

Executive Protection Training New War Zone Bodyguard Protection Close Protection Training Tips # 5 Executive Protection Specialist

When I mention an executive protection specialist I am referring to a ‘Serious Participant.’ You only achieve this status by attending a war zone course like the one in Cyprus.

Business owners are sending their security staff on to a close protection driving & bodyguard training course to reduce their security risk.

While the close protection world is experiencing business growth, business owners can’t get free bodyguard training, so they are buying the cheapest bodyguard training course available.

Although it’s a sad indictment, whenever something really bad happens in the security or close protection world, we always witness a global growth for professional bodyguard work.

The ability to service this natural organic growth might explain why the close protection industry is bucking the trend during the current economic downturn and experiencing massive business sector growth.

The security industry has consistently placed high in the list of global growth industries during the last 25 years and most economics professors agree it will remain in the top 10 list of growth industries for the next 25 years.

If you need the reason why, then consider if the world is a safer place now, than it was 25 years ago.

Most close protection specialists will inform you that protective service operations is one of the fastest growth areas of the security industry. This in part can be attributed to the increased security risk in politically volatile regions and war zone destinations.

Both of these areas requires all forms of expertise to be provided from the military forces attempting to keep the peace, and attempting to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

Typically I am talking about the UK and USA military and security forces. Once the human expertise has been found, then they need to be protected.

This expertise is cross industry sector, i.e. Construction experts, IT experts, communications experts, police and security trainers etc, etc.

The increase in bodyguard work and bodyguard jobs has not gone unnoticed by members of the general public and astute business owners.

One only has to research some of the information posted on a well known close protection forum to understand the security industry is buzzing with new close protection training courses.

To service this demand, one UK close protection company has released the world’s first ever anti terrorist close protection driving home study programme. This accompanies its globally successful range of six close protection home study training programmes.

Like the security industry, the close protection industry has witnessed significant changes during recent years.

And while everyone in the security industry knows there’s no such concept of free bodyguard training, many professional and aspiring Bodyguards are investing in the next best thing, i.e. the cheapest bodyguard training course available.

Make no mistake, cheapest doesn’t mean poor value for money. In fact quite the opposite, in this case cheapest offers far more value than cost, and it’s the Bodyguards seeking well paid bodyguards jobs that are reaping the added value benefits from this type of close protection, and close protection driving home study programmes.

Although historically the number of women bodyguards entering the close protection world has hovered at around 2% during the last 15 years, with a 3 year spike of 7% during 1998 to 2001, it appears that the protective service industry is witnessing another increase in the number of women bodyguards enrolling on close protection training courses in order to secure lucrative bodyguards jobs.

Bodyguard Work and Bodyguards Jobs

Although in relation to the close protection world, the main media focus always seeks to sensationalise bodyguard work and bodyguards jobs in war zone regions like Afghanistan and Iraq.

However, every time a significant security issue materialises in one of these war zone regions it causes a ripple effect which quickly flows around the word.

The April 2010 attempted assassination of the British Consulate in Yemen sent more of a security Tsunami, rather than a security ripple around the world. Once again organised terrorists attempted to execute a high profile target. The end result is that security risk levels were raised around the world.

While this is not a pleasant occurrence, it does have a positive effect on professional Bodyguards seeking well paid high risk bodyguard work and bodyguards jobs.

In reality this security ripple effect opens up a great many opportunities worldwide for the more professional Bodyguards. For example one bombing of a building in Africa led to me training security drivers from a US Embassy in Norway.

If you consult any close protection forum you will likely be advised that In order to get your foot on the ladder to highly paid bodyguard work, and bodyguards jobs you have to have graduated from some of the most professional close protection training courses and/or close protection driving programmes available.

Never lose sight of the fact that my key emphasis in my previous sentence is on the word, ‘professional.’

Close Protection Training Courses

As previously mentioned, the close protection world and industry has changed significantly in the last few years. September the 11th raised the security bar, and the bench mark for all professional close protection training courses.

Virtually all the cowboy security companies offering false hope to aspiring bodyguards by virtue of offering them free bodyguard training and guaranteed bodyguard work if they signed up for less than useless close protection training have been eradicated in the UK.

Note I stated ‘virtually all’, sadly some unscrupulous security owners still strive to find ways of scamming prospective Bodyguards out of their hard earned finances.

Most contemporary close protection training courses focus on reality based training because they understand that their trained Bodyguards now require this form of training for their high risk bodyguards jobs.

Any Bodyguards paying for even the cheapest bodyguard training course should look for reality based scenarios because this offers you two added value benefits.

The first is that you will know for sure that your bodyguard instructor, or close protection driving Instructor knows how to professionally train you for high and extremely high risk protective service operations.

Second, although there is no such concept of 100% security, you will be better prepared for when your VIP client comes under threat from a professional terrorist group or organised crime gang.

Be advised, close protection training courses designed specifically for bodyguard work and bodyguards jobs can be as broad as they are long.

Never lose sight of the fact that every one of the close protection training courses you see advertised are run by a managing director or a sole trader owner of a security business. As such their main priority is to make a profit.

While I have no objection to any business owner making a profit, I do balk when another cowboy security owner hits the close protection circuit and places profit above the low quality security training they offer aspiring Bodyguards.

Cheapest Bodyguard Training Course

Imagine you are going to invest eight to ten thousand UK pounds, or fifteen thousand US dollars into training for a new career, and you realise it was going to take you up to two years to graduate because you have to hold down a full time job to pay for your training fees and expenses.

Now imagine you are uncertain that this career change into the close protection industry is the right move. Wouldn’t it make financial and common sense to try a low cost investment to see if the industry is for you?

Of course it would, and this is one of the added benefits of enrolling in the cheapest bodyguard training course on the market.

The cheapest bodyguard training course is available in six different 12 month training programmes at under one hundred and fifty UK pounds or 250 US dollars per one year programme. Home study has both added value and residual value benefits.

For example the cheapest bodyguard training course allows you the benefit of studying at your own pace which is critical if you are working full time. It’s also a lifelong security resource manual. It can be supplied in a hard paper format, or in a Computer CD-Rom format which allows you to study during your work down time.

No other close protection training courses offer these tangible benefits. The cheapest bodyguard training course is not gender specific, so it is a fantastic resource for women bodyguards seeking bodyguard work.

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Business Inventories : Dollar amount of inventories held by manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers. Rising inventories can be an indication of business optimism that sales will be growing in the coming months. By looking at the ratio of inventories to sales, investors can see whether production demands will expand or contract in the near future. The business inventory data provide a valuable forward-looking tool for tracking the economy.

Chain Stores Sales – Monthly sales volumes from department, chain, discount and apparel stores. Sales are reported by the individual retailers. Chain store sales are an indicator of retail sales and consumer spending results. Consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of the economy, so if you know what consumers are up to, you will have a pretty good handle on where the economy is headed. Sales are reported as a change from the same month a year ago. .

Construction Spending – Dollar value of the new construction activity on residential, non-residential and public projects. Data are available in nominal and real (inflation-adjusted) dollars. Businesses only put money into construction of new factories or offices when they are confident that demand is strong enough to justify the expansion. The same goes for individuals making the investment in a home. Thats why construction spending is a good indicator of the economy’s momentum.

Consumer Confidence – Survey of consumer attitudes concerning both the present situation as well as expectations regarding economic conditions conducted by The Conference Board. Five thousand consumers across the country are surveyed each month. The level of consumer confidence is directly related to the strength of consumer spending. Consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of the economy, so the markets are always dying to know what consumers are up to and how they might behave in the near future. The more confident consumers are about the economy and their own personal finances, the more likely they are to spend. With this in mind, it’s easy to see how this index of consumer attitudes gives insight to the direction of the economy.

Consumer sentiment – Survey of consumer attitudes concerning both the present situation as well as expectations regarding economic conditions conducted by the University of Michigan. Five hundred consumers are surveyed each month. The level of consumer sentiment is directly related to the strength of consumer spending. Consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of the economy, so the markets are always dying to know what consumers are up to and how they might behave in the near future.

Consumer Price Index (CPI) – Measure of the average price level of a fixed basket of goods and services purchased by consumers. Monthly changes in the CPI represent the rate of inflation. The CPI is the most followed indicator of inflation in the United States. Inflation is a general increase in the price of goods and services. The relationship between inflation and interest rates is the key to understanding how data like the CPI influence the markets. By tracking the trends in inflation, whether high or low, rising or falling, investors can anticipate how different types of investments will perform.

Current account – Measure of the country’s international trade balance in goods, services and unilateral transfers. The level of the current account, as well as the trends in exports and imports, are followed as indicators of trends in foreign trade. U.S. trade with foreign countries hold important clues to economic trends here and abroad. The data can directly impact all the financial markets, but especially the foreign exchange value of the dollar.

Books

Beige Book – District banks have been printing summaries of the economic conditions in their districts since 1970. Initially this “Red Book” was prepared for policymakers only and was not intended for public consumption. It was made public in 1983. To mark this change, the color of the cover was changed and the publication became known as the Beige Book. The Beige Book is released two weeks prior to each FOMC meeting eight times per year. Each Federal Reserve Bank gathers anecdotal information on current economic conditions in its district through reports from bank and branch directors and interviews with key businessmen, economists, market experts, and other sources. The Beige Book summarizes this information by district and sector. An overall summary of the twelve district reports is prepared by a designated Federal Reserve Bank on a rotating basis. The report is primarily seen as an indicator of how the Fed might act at its upcoming meeting.

Green Book – The green book is prepared by staff members at the Board of Governors five days in advance of an FOMC meeting. It presents the staff’s interpretations on several economic and financial variables and is divided into two parts. The first part of the green book describes and interprets significant developments in U.S. economic activity, prices, interest rates, flows of money and credit, and the international sector that have occurred in recent months or quarters. This section also presents forecasts of a number of variables for the next six to eight quarters. The second section of the green book provides additional information on recent developments. It describes trends in employment, production, and prices and the factors influencing them. This section also includes sector-by-sector analyses, commenting on such areas as housing, motor vehicle production, inventories, and spending by federal, state, and local governments. It reviews a range of developments in domestic financial markets, including credit patterns for banks, other financial intermediaries, non-financial businesses, and consumers. Finally, international developments are reviewed, with commentary on trade statistics, international financial transactions, foreign exchange markets, and economic activity in a number of foreign countries.

Blue Book – A day after the green book, the FOMC members receive the blue book. All blue books present the Board staff’s view of monetary and financial developments for the few months surrounding the meeting in question. Each book first reviews recent developments in policy variables, including the Federal Funds rate, reserve measures, and the monetary aggregates. The blue book also presents two or three alternative policy scenarios for the upcoming inter-meeting period. The blue books written for the February and July meetings contain two extra sections to assist the Committee in its preparation for the Humphrey-Hawkins testimony. The first of these sections provides longer term simulations, covering the next five or six years. This section also offers estimates of how different assumptions about factors such as fiscal policy, the equilibrium unemployment rate, or the speed of adjustment to changed inflationary expectations would affect the predicted outcome. The second additional section in the February and July blue books sets out alternative annual ranges for growth of the monetary aggregates.

Red Book – Published every Tuesday, this report presents the detail sales of some 30 US stores produce the previous week and compared to the previous month. It is always a forecast which counts for the request of the households but a rather volatile measurement taking into consideration the more or less significant months for the detail business.
Durable goods order – The durable goods orders reflect the new orders placed with domestic manufacturers for immediate and future delivery of factory hardwoods. Orders for durable goods show how busy factories will be in the months to come, as manufacturers work to fill those orders. The data not only provides insight to demand for things like refrigerators and cars, but also business investment going forward. If companies commit to spending more on equipment and other capital, they are obviously experiencing sustainable growth in their business. Increased expenditures on investment goods set the stage for greater productive capacity in the country and reduce the prospects for inflation. It tells investors what to expect from the manufacturing sector, a major component of the economy and therefore a major influence on their investments.

Existing home sales – Number of previously constructed homes with a closed sale during the month. Existing homes (also known as home resales) are a large share of the market than new homes and indicate housing market trends. This provides a gauge of not only the demand for housing, but the economic momentum. People have to be feeling pretty comfortable and confident in their own financial position to buy a house. Even though home resales don’t always create new output, once the home is sold, it generates revenues for the realtor. It brings a myriad of consumption opportunities for the buyer. Refrigerators, washers, dryers and furniture are just a few items home buyers might purchase. In a more specific sense, trends in the existing home sales date carry valuable clues for the stocks of home builders, mortgage lenders and home furnishings companies.

Factory orders – Dollar level of new orders for manufacturing durable goods and nondurable goods. It gives more complete information than durable goods orders which are reported one or two weeks earlier in the month. The orders data show how busy factories will be in coming months as manufacturers work to fill those orders. This report provides insight to the demand for not only hard goods such as refrigerators and cars, but nondurables such as cigarettes and apparel. In addition to new orders, analysts monitor unfilled orders, an indicator of the backlog in production. Shipments reveal current sales. Inventories give a handle on the strength of current and future production. All in all, this report tells investors what to expect from the manufacturing sector, a major component of the economy and therefore a major influence on their investments.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – The sum of all goods and services produced either by domestic or foreign companies. GDP indicates the pace at which a country’s economy is growing (or shrinking) and is considered the broadest indicator of economic output and growth. Investors need to closely track the economy because it usually dictates how investments will perform. The GDP report contains a treasure-trove of information which not only paints an image of the overall economy, but tells investors about important trends within the big picture. GDP components like consumer spending, business and residential investments and price (inflation) indexes illuminate the economy’s undercurrents, which can translate to investment opportunities and guidance in managing a portfolio.

Housing starts – Housing starts measure the number of residential units on which construction is begun each month. Home builders don’t start a house unless they are fairly confident it will sell upon or before its competition. Changes in the rate of housing starts tell us a lot about demand for homes and the outlook for the construction industry. Furthermore, each time a new home is started, construction employment rises and income will be pumped back into the economy. Once the home is sold, it generates revenues for the home builder and a myriad of consumption opportunities for the buyer. Refrigerators, washers and dryers, furniture and landscaping are just a few things new home buyers might spend money on, so the economic “ripple effect” can be substantial especially when you think of it in terms of a hundred thousand new households around the country doing this every month. Trends in the housing starts date carry valuable clues for the stocks of home builders, mortgage lenders and home furnishings companies. Commodity prices such as lumber are also very sensitive to housing industry trends.

IFO Business Climate in industry and trade – The IFO Business Climate Index is a widely early indicator for economic development in Germany. Every month the IFO Institute surveys more than 7,000 enterprises in west and east Germany on their appraisals of the business situation (good/satisfactory/poor) and their expectations for the next six months (better/same/worse). The replies are weighted according to the importance of the industry and aggregated. The percentage shares of the positive and negative responses to both questions are balanced and a geometric mean is formed from the balances divided according to east and west Germany. The series of balances thus derived are linked to a base year (currently 1991) and seasonally adjusted.

Import and export prices – The prices of goods that are brought in the United States but produced abroad and the prices of goods sold abroad but produced domestically. These prices indicate inflationary trends in internationally traded products. Changes in import and export prices are a valuable gauge of inflation here and abroad. Furthermore, the data can directly impact the financial markets such as bonds and the dollar. Inflation leads to higher interest rates and that’s bad news for stocks as well. By monitoring inflation gauges such as import prices, investors can keep an eye on this menace to their portfolio.

Industrial production and capacity utilization – The Index of Industrial Production is a chain-weight measure of the physical output of the nation’s factories, mines and utilities. The capacity utilization rate reflects the usage of available resources. Investors want to keep their finger on the pulse of the economy because it usually dictates how various types of investments will perform. Industrial production show how much factories, mines and utilities are producing. Since the manufacturing sector accounts for one-quarter of the economy, this report has a big influence on market behaviour. The capacity utilization rate provides an estimate of how much factory capacity is in use. If the utilization rate gets too high (above 85%) it can lead to inflationary bottlenecks in production. The Federal Reserve watches this report closely and sets interest rate policy on the basis of whether production constraints are threatening to cause inflationary pressures.

International Trade – Measures the difference between imports and exports of both tangible goods and services. The level of the international trade balance, as well as changes in exports and imports, indicate trends in foreign trade. Changes in the level of imports and exports, along with the difference between the two (the trade balance) are a valuable gauge of economic trends here and abroad. Furthermore, the data can directly impact all the financial markets, but especially the foreign exchange value of the dollar. Imports indicate demand for foreign goods and services here and the US exports show the demand for US goods in overseas countries. The dollar can be particularly sensitive to changes in the chronic trade deficit run by the United States, since this trade imbalance creates greater demand for foreign currencies. This report gives a breakdown of US trade with major countries as well, so it can be instructive for investors who are interested in diversifying globally. For example, a trend of accelerating exports to a particular country might signal economic strength and investment opportunities in that country.

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) – Formerly known as the NAPM. Change was effective in January 2002. ISM is a composite diffusion index of national manufacturing conditions. Readings above 50% indicate an expanding factory sector. Investors need to keep their fingers on the pulse of the economy because it dictates how various types of investments will perform. By tracking economic date like the ISM, investors will know what the economic backdrop is for the various markets. The ISM gives a detailed look at the manufacturing sector, how busy it is and where things are headed. Since the manufacturing sector is a major source of cyclical variability in the economy, this report has a big influence on the markets. More than one of the ISM sub-indexes provides insight on commodity prices and clues regarding the potential for developing inflation. The Federal Reserve keeps a close watch on this report which helps it to determine the direction of interest rates when inflation signals are flashing in these data.

Jobless Claims – A weekly compilation of the number of individuals who filed for unemployment insurance for the first time. This indicator, and more importantly, its four-week moving average, portends in the labor market. Jobless claims are an easy way to gauge the strength of the job market. The fewer people filling for unemployment benefits, the more have jobs, and that tells investors a great deal about the economy. Nearly every job comes with an income which gives a household spending power. Spending greases the wheels of the economy and keeps it growing, so the stronger the job market, the healthier the economy. By tracking the number of jobless claims, investors can gain a send of how tight the job market is. If wage inflation threatens, it’s a good bet that interest rates will rise, bond and stock prices will fall, and the only investors in a good mood will be the ones who tracked jobless claims and adjusted their portfolios to anticipate these events. The lower the number of unemployment claims, the stronger the job market is, and vice versa.

Leading Indicators – A composite index of ten economic indicators that typically lead overall economic activity. Investors need to keep their fingers on the pulse of the economy because it dictates how various types of investments will perform. By tracking economic data like the index of leading indicators, investors will know what the economic backdrop is for the various markets. The index of Leading Indicators is designed to predict turning points in the economy such as recessions and recoveries. Incidentally, stock prices are one of the leading indicators in this index.

Money supply – The monetary aggregates are alternative measures of the money supply by degree of liquidity. Changes in the monetary aggregates indicate the thrust of monetary policy as well as the outlook for economic activity and inflationary pressures. The monetary aggregates (know individually as M1, M2 and M3) used to be all the rage a few years back because the data revealed the Fed’s (tight or loose) hold on credit conditions in the economy. The Fed issues target ranges for money supply growth. In the past, if actual growth moved outside those ranges it often was a prelude to an interest rate move from the Fed. Today, monetary policy is understood more clearly by the level of the federal funds rate. Money supply fell out of vogue in the nineties, due to a variety of changes in the financial system and the way the Federal Reserve conducts monetary policy. The Fed is working on some new measures of money supply, and given the way economic indicators ebb and flow in popularity, don’t be surprised if the monetary aggregates make a comeback in the future.

New home sales – The number of newly constructed homes with a committed sale during the month. The level of new home sales indicates housing market trends. This provides a gauge of not only the demand for housing, but the economic momentum. People have to be feeling comfortable and confident in their own financial position to buy a house. Furthermore, this narrow piece of data has a powerful multiplier effect through the economy, and therefore across the markets and your investments. By tracking economic data such as new home sales, investors can gain specific investment ideas as well as broad guidance for managing a portfolio. Each time the construction of a new home begins, it translates to more construction jobs, and income which will be pumped back into the economy. Once the home is sold, it generates revenues for the home builder and the realtor. Trends in the new home sales data carry valuable clues for the stocks of home builders, mortgage lenders and home furnishings companies.

Nonfarm Payroll – The employment situation is a set of labor market indicators. The unemployment rate measures the number of unemployed as a percentage of the labor force. Nonfarm payroll employment counts the number of paid employees working part-time and full-time in the nation’s business and government establishments. The average workweek reflects the number of hours worked in the nonfarm sector. Average hourly earnings reveal the basic hourly rate for major industries as indicated in nonfarm payrolls. This is without a doubt the economic report that move the markets the most. The employment data give the most comprehensive report on how many people are looking for jobs, how many have them, what they’re getting paid and how many hours they are working. These numbers are the best way to gauge the current state and future direction of the economy. They also provide insight on wage trends, and wage inflation is high on the list of enemies for the Federal Reserve. By tracking the jobs data, investors can sense the degree of tightness in the job market.

Personal Income – Personal income is the dollar value of income received from all sources by individuals. Personal outlays include consumer purchases of durable and nondurable goods and services. The income and outlays data are another handy way to gauge the strength of the economy and where it is headed. Income gives households the power to spend and/or save. Spending greases the wheels of the economy and keeps it growing. The consumption (outlays) part of this report is even more directly tied to the economy, which we know usually dictates how the markets perform. Consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of the economy, so if you know what consumers are up to, you’ll have a pretty good handle on where the economy is headed. Needless to say, that’s a big advantage for investors.

Philadelphia Fed Survey – A composite diffusion index of manufacturing conditions within the Philadelphia Federal Reserve district. This survey is widely followed as an indicator of manufacturing sector trends since it is correlated with the ISM survey and the index of industrial production. The Philly Fed survey gives a detailed look at the manufacturing sector, how busy it is and where things are headed. Since manufacturing is a major sector of the economy, this report has a big influence on market behaviour. Some of the Philly Fed sub-indexes also provide insight on commodity prices and other clues on inflation.

Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) – The National Association of Purchasing Managers (NAPM), now called the Institute for Supply Management, releases a monthly composite index of national manufacturing conditions, constructed from data on new orders, production, supplier delivery times, backlogs, inventories, prices, employment, export orders, and import orders. It is divided into manufacturing and non-manufacturing sub-indices.

Producer Price Index (PPI) – PPI is a measure of the average price level for a fixed basket of capital and consumer goods paid by producers. The PPI measures price changes in the manufacturing sector. It measures average changes in selling prices received by domestic producers in the manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and electric utility industries for their output. Inflation at this producer level often gets passed through to the consumer price index (CPI). The relationship between inflation and interest rates is the key to understanding how data like the PPI influence the markets and your investments.

Retail Sales – Retail sales measure the total receipts at stores that sell durable and nondurable goods. Retail sales not only give you a sense of the big picture, but also the trends among different types of retailers. Perhaps auto sales are especially strong or apparel sales are showing exceptional weakness. These trends from the retail sales date can help you spot specific investment opportunities, without having to wait for a company’s quarterly or annual report.

Retail Prices Index (RPI) -The RPI is the UK’s principal measure of consumer price inflation. It is defined as an average measure of change in the prices of goods and services brought for the purpose of consumption by the vast majority of households in the UK. It is complied and published monthly. Once published, it is never revised. RPI includes date on food and drink, tobacco, housing, household goods and services, personal goods and services, transport fares, motoring costs, clothing and leisure goods and services. Measures of inflation are vital tools for economists, business and government. The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee sets UK interest rates on the basis of a target figure for inflation set by Chancellor of the Exchequer. Wage agreements, pensions and change in benefit levels are often linked directly to the RPI. Utility regulators impose restrictions on price movements based on the RPI.

Trade Balance - The balance of trade is a statement of a country’s trade in goods (merchandise) and services. It covers trade in products such as manufactured goods, raw materials and agricultural goods, as well as travel and transportation. The balance of trade is the difference between the value of the goods and services that a country exports and the value of the goods and services that it imports. If a country’s exports exceed its imports, it has a trade surplus and the trade balance is said to be positive. If imports exceed exports, the country has a trade deficit and its trade balance is said to be negative.
The balance of trade sometimes refers to trade in goods only. The term should not be confused with the balance of payments, which is a much broader statement of international monetary flows, including not only trade in goods and services, but also investment income flows and transfer payments. A positive or negative balance may simply reflect a change in the relative cost of domestic products compared with international prices. For industries that rely heavily on exports, like the auto sector, a positive balance of trade may reflect a higher international demand, which can mean more jobs in that industry.

There are no jobs now which can give you 100% guarantee nowadays. But you can avoid the lay off and the effects of off shoring by the following:-

- Keep a step ahead of the crowd by learning new skills – Make yourself a valuable asset to the employers – Try to get a federal or defense related job since most these kind of jobs are safer from off shoring.

- Due to the war in Iraq and the downsizing of the armed forces there are plenty of contract jobs in the private sector doing business with defense forces. Most of the positions require US citizenship which means these kinds of jobs are never off shored. This is a safe bet to start.

- Know more about your business; if you have a strong business knowledge it will be hardly outsourced or off shored

- Take a moment to think about the job you are doing. Can any one do your job from anywhere? any time restrictions? Lot of interaction? these questions might give a clue about your job situation.

The high tech industry and the software industry in particular is vulnerable to offshoring of services. The only way you can avoid is to learn more business about the company and make yourself an important player in the team.

There are several web sites that specializes jobs related to federal government and defense contracting jobs. You should check some sites and apply for a job.