How to get a job in UK’s security industry

Did you know that now has never been a better time to enter the security industry? This is because of various issues, including pandemic lockdowns and the cost of living crisis, which have decreased the number of available staff. 

So, if you want to get into a role with less competition and a fast way to enter the industry, then you should consider the security industry. You could take a course, pass, get your SIA licence — and be ready for your first job — in around three weeks. 

Different roles

There are several different roles you can consider. All require you to work well in a team, be physically fit, observant and have a desire to protect the community. Here are just three possible roles: 

Door supervisor

There is a particular need for door personnel in bars and clubs, which were the most badly hit during the lockdowns. Many previous door staff have moved onto other roles, and some have not renewed their licence due to lack of funds and no work during extended lockdowns. As a result, bars and clubs are struggling to find staff and keep their customers safe from increasing spiking incidents — which can lead to some of the most sinister criminal activities. Even as a trainee, you should find no problem grabbing a position. 

Security guard

A security guard does a similar job to a door supervisor, but they look after companies, organisations and venues that don’t serve alcohol. This offers a slightly shorter course if you are sure you won’t want to work in bars and clubs. You could be working in a shop or shopping centre where part of your role will be to deal with shoplifters. Or a hospital, where you’ll be on hand to deal with difficult patients who are threatening the safety of staff and other patients as well as the smooth running of the hospital. 

CCTV Operator

You can still work in security without a role requiring you to stand and stay outside. A CCTV operator works in a control room, manning up to 15 cameras. You’ll zoom in and out on high-risk situations, such as a security guard restocking an ATM or suspicious behaviour. You’ll then relay that information to security staff on the scene. 

Step 1 — Check your eligibility

The most important thing is that you check that you will be approved for work in the security industry. You will not be accepted if you have a history of drug or violent offences. But don’t worry about caution or a traffic offence years ago. 

• You must be over 18 years of age
• You must have proof you can work in the UK
• You must pass a criminal background check
• You must pass a mental health check

Step 2 — Book and attend your course

Now you need to decide which course to take. You can be a security guard by taking the security guard course, but you won’t be licensed to become a door supervisor. The door supervisor course will allow you to work in both roles and takes just two days longer but is only around £30 more. 

Or you could take the CCTV operator course and qualify in just three days. 

The course costs are as follows:

6-day door supervisor course  — from £209.99. 

4-day security guard course  — from £179.99

3-day CCTV operator course — from £179.99

And don’t worry, our training partners achieve a 95% first-time pass rate. If you don’t pass the first time, you can get free resits with either the gold or platinum package. Or you can even get a full refund with the platinum package after two failed retake attempts. That’s right; if you don’t pass, you don’t have to pay!

Step 3 — Send off your SIA licence with the required fee. 

After you have passed your course, you will need to apply for your licence. All three licences cost £184. There’s more information on the SIA official website about how to apply. 

Step 4 — Find a job

Now all that’s left to do is find a job. You can check the usual job boards such as jobcentre plus. However, the Get licensed app is a great way to start. The technology not only helps you to pass your course, but it’s also where you can create a worker profile with easy-to-use tools and seamlessly apply for security jobs. 

Earning Potential

The earnings per hour for these three roles are around £10 to £15. But your earning potential in the security industry is unlimited. You could use your new qualification as a way to make extra money outside of other working hours. Or the sky is the limit. You could be promoted to head of a team and then a manager responsible for all security. Or you might find yourself jet-setting with VIPs and celebrities as a personal bodyguard. You can check out this role and others on the Get Licensed YouTube channel. So, what are you waiting for? Book the right course for you today. And if you have questions, why not use the live chat? And our security industry professionals can help you right away. 

Looking for jobs? 

To find the latest security jobs, check out our Jobs Board, which has 1,000+ jobs from the UK’s best security companies. 

If you’re on the hunt for a security job on the go, download the GuardPass app for all the latest jobs and more. The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.