Are You Bringing a One-Star Attitude to a Five-Star Security Industry? A Reality Check for Security Professionals

Alright, let’s have a frank chat about the elephant in the room – the constant stream of complaints in the UK security industry. You’ve probably heard it before, or maybe even joined in:

• “The licence is too expensive!”
• “The training is rubbish!”
• “Everything’s gone downhill!”

Sound familiar? Well, it’s time for a reality check. You might be demanding five-star service from everyone else while bringing a one-star attitude to the table. Let’s break this down, shall we?

Why Your SIA Licence is an Investment in Your Security Career

Yes, getting and maintaining your SIA licence isn’t cheap. But let’s put this in perspective. This licence is your ticket to a professional career, one that puts you in charge of people’s safety and security. Did you expect that responsibility to come at the price of a cinema ticket?
Let’s compare it to other professions. Doctors, lawyers, teachers—they all pay for their credentials and must keep them up to date. Your SIA licence is an investment in you and your future, not just a random fee. It’s not a gym membership—it’s a professional qualification that opens doors to your security career.

How to Get The Most Out of Security Industry Training

“The training is bad,” they say. Really? Have you considered that maybe, just maybe, you get out what you put in? Training isn’t a passive experience where knowledge magically beams into your brain. It requires your active participation, your engagement, and your willingness to learn.

If you go into SIA training with a chip on your shoulder, expecting it to be terrible, guess what? You’re setting yourself up for failure before you’ve even begun. Treat it like the key to unlocking your potential, because that’s what it is. In the security industry, the more you invest in your training and skills development, the further you’ll go.

Why a Positive Attitude is Key for Success in the Security Industry

General dissatisfaction is a disease, and it’s highly contagious. Every time you moan about the state of the security industry, you’re not just expressing your frustration – you’re spreading it. You’re colouring the perceptions of those around you, potentially discouraging newcomers, and generally bringing everyone down.

Let’s be real for a second: has all this complaining improved anything? Or has it just made you (and everyone else) more miserable?

Five-Star Expectation vs One-Star Attitude

Here’s the kicker—while you’re busy criticising the industry, have you taken a moment to assess your own attitude? You’re expecting five-star service from your employers, the SIA, and training providers. But what are you bringing to the table?

• Are you approaching your job with professionalism and dedication?
• Are you actively looking for opportunities to improve your skills?
• Are you contributing positively to your workplace and the wider security industry?

Or are you just showing up, doing the bare minimum, and then complaining when things aren’t perfect?

Time for an Attitude Adjustment – Professional Development Tips for Security Officers

If you want to see a change in the security industry, it needs to start with you. Here are a few ways to adjust your attitude and start making a difference:

1. Take responsibility for your own development. Don’t wait for perfect training to land in your lap—seek out knowledge yourself. Read up on security trends, watch relevant tutorials, or even take extra security training courses.
2. See your licence as an investment, not a cost. It’s a mark of your professionalism, just like a badge of honour.
3. Instead of complaining about problems, start proposing solutions. See something that could be better? Suggest ways to fix it.
4. Approach each shift with a positive attitude. You’re not just there to clock in and out—you’re there to make a difference.
5. Engage actively in training sessions. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Don’t let distractions keep you from absorbing information that could help your career.
6. Spread positivity. Be the colleague who lifts others up, not the one who drags them down. Your attitude can be contagious too—so make it a good one!

How Get Licensed Can Help You Bring Your A-Game

At Get Licensed, we’re here to help you do more than just get certified—we’re here to make sure you excel. Our SIA training programmes are designed to not only meet industry standards but help you smash through them. Whether you’re aiming to be a Door Supervisor, Security Guard, or CCTV Operator, we’ve got you covered.

• Real-world skills: Learn from expert instructors who bring real experience to the table.
• Career-focused: Our courses go beyond the basics, preparing you for the real challenges in the field.
• Nationwide reach: With training centres across the UK, we’re ready wherever you are.

If you’re unsure about which courses will best support your career goals, check out our guide on the most useful courses for different security roles. It’ll help you choose the right path based on the role you’re aiming for.

Ready to bring your A-game? With Get Licensed, you’ll be fully equipped to thrive in the security industry.

The Choice is Yours

At the end of the day, you have a choice. You can continue to bring your one-star attitude, complain about everything, and wonder why things don’t improve. Or, you can step up, bring your A-game, and be part of the positive change in the industry.

Remember, the security industry doesn’t owe you anything. You chose this career. Now it’s up to you to make the most of it.

If you’re serious about making that change, why not start by exploring the opportunities available? Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or simply want to align yourself with like-minded professionals, our security job board is the perfect place to begin your journey towards making a real difference.

So, what’s it going to be? Are you going to keep demanding five-star treatment while bringing a one-star attitude? Or are you ready to align your attitude with your expectations and start contributing to a five-star industry?

The security of our nation depends on professionals who are committed, positive, and always striving to be better. It’s time to ask yourself: Are you one of them?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​