AS a Gloucester company celebrates its 10th year, one employee has praised its staff for getting him back into employment.

Glevum Security, based in Waterwells Business Park in Quedgeley, is now in its tenth year of trading and it continues to work closely with Gloucester Works and Job Centre Plus to get people re-trained, off the unemployment register and back into work.

Simon Williams, 30, from Tewkesbury, was employed by Glevum Security in May this year after beginning his training in February, and he has not looked back since.

He said: "I would like to thank Glevum Security and its staff, for all they have done for me.

"In particular Derek Martin the HR manager for giving me the opportunity of fulfilling my wish to obtain an SIA (Security Industry Authority) license.

"This has given me back my self-esteem. Derek liaised with my advisor at the job centre and obtained funding and clearance for me to attend a work trial.

"I was then put forward to sit the relevant exams. The courses were given at a level and pace that allowed me to retain the information to complete the exam successfully.

"Glevum Security saw potential and took me from the unemployed masses."

Glevum Security Ltd supplies static and mobile security officers, key holding alarm response, CCTV monitoring and SIA licence training.

Despite being unemployed, Mr Williams remained positive and looked into a career in security before applying for work at Glevum, which was founded in March 2000 and now employs 70 full time staff.

"I researched a career in security, looked in the local directory and found several local security companies," he added.

"I was amazed how quick Glevum responded and relieved that someone was actually listening to what I was asking.

A spokesman for the firm said anyone wanting more information on the business can log on to www.glevum-security.co.uk.