A career in the security sector is well suited to former service personnel. With opportunities as vast as the responsibilities, a career as a security professional isn’t for the faint of heart.
Who can I work for?
There are many different areas of employment for security professionals.
Manned guards can work for banks, jewellers, supermarkets, entertainment venues, and local authorities. Key-holding security staff can work for building firms and developers, private healthcare practices and many more.
Where and when can I work?
Anywhere in the country. Larger towns and cities will offer more opportunities but anywhere that has a high street, shopping centre or bank will usually have requirements for security staff.
The nature of the work involved will often mean that security professionals are required to work shifts, which can often include nights and weekends.
What can I earn?
There is a wide range of job opportunities available in this industry and pay is reliant on qualifications and experience. Trainee roles will typically pay minimum wage but do increase with experience. There are considerably higher-paid security roles that require an advanced understanding of operating advanced equipment and working in high-risk situations, or those at management level.
What are the benefits?
Larger companies offer broader benefits but have a lower basic pay; smaller companies compete by offering a higher salary but fewer benefits. Benefits can include a pension, life insurance and private healthcare.
Are there chances of promotion?
For the right candidates there are always opportunities to develop and climb the ladder. There are management opportunities in larger firms and in more technical areas of the profession there are senior engineering posts available.
What will I be responsible for?
Responsibilities are dependent on the role. For instance, security guards at a night club will be responsible for monitoring the customers, refusing entry to those under age, ejecting trouble makers and controlling the numbers of people in the venue.
Do I need any experience?
You will need the nationally-recognised SIA licence in order to be considered for the majority of positions. Some trainee roles will foot the cost of the licence while you train but this will impact on your pay.
To gain your licence you must attend an approved training course.
What attributes are needed?
Security employers are on the look out for candidates who are physically fit, able to patrol an area, can work as part of a team, are trustworthy, confident, honest and reliable.