How to get a job in event security

During the lockdowns of the last few years, sporting and musical events have been a write-off for thousands of fans that love to root on their team and dance to their favourite bands. Many sporting events were simply cancelled, such as Wimbledon 2020, while other events went ahead with players having to deal with almost empty stadiums. 

The length of the lockdowns has severely impacted the number of SIA licence holders. Many have not renewed their three-year licences and have moved on to different types of work. 

With events back on, the demand for event security is high while supply is low, so this is a great time to get into this career.  

Responsibilities, perks and promotions

Being part of an event security team is an exciting and important role. Let’s say you make a mistake while working as a retail security guard; then you may let a shoplifter get away. However, making a mistake while working as an event security guard could be the difference between life and death for hundreds of people. 

The main issues with event security are crowd control and the potential for terrorist attacks. Crowd control and gates were an issue recently in Paris at the Champions League final following massive ticket fraud. And we also covered the security failings at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, where SIX opportunities were missed by either security staff, planning, or the British Transport police. 

As a venue security guard, your role is to scan and check that tickets are authentic and direct fans to the right area in a controlled manner. You are also required to check your belongings and keep an eye out for any unattended bags that could be a bomb. You need to check your area and liaise with other security team members about any issues of crowding, suspicious or problem behaviour. 

Because event security involves such large numbers of people, the planning has to be run like a military operation. Private event security companies often work with the police about any known threats, such as terrorist intelligence or violent football fans that may try to attend. When you become part of an event security team, the opportunity to work yourself up to an extremely exciting and lucrative role is a real possibility if you are up to the challenge and the hard work. 

Step 1 — Check your eligibility

To work in event security, you’ll need a licence, so first, check your eligibility to work in this sector before taking a course. 

• 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

The next step is to book a course. You can take the 4-day security guard course or a 6-day door supervisor course for around £179.99.

We suggest that you take the 6-day supervisor course as not only do the courses cost virtually the same, the door supervisor course has several benefits. Although the door supervisor course is slightly more, there are more course locations available — so you could save more on getting to a venue closer to you. In addition, the door supervisor licence allows you to work at events where alcohol is served and consumed. You might find that with a security guard licence, you can’t work at events such as football matches where lager is served. 

You can pay for your course in six interest-free instalments if you prefer to spread the cost. And although 95% of our course attendees pass the first time, if you are having a bad day and fail, you can either retake the course for free with the gold and platinum package. Alternatively, retakes are £90. 

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

You need a licence to work in the security industry, so after passing your course, you need to send off your details along with the 3-year licence fee of £184 for both the security guard and the door supervisor licence. You can get more info here. 

Step 4 — Find a job

To get a head start finding your first security job, simply download the GuardPass app. It’s a great way to create a worker profile on the app. You can then start applying for the latest job vacancies. 

Earning Potential

Event security jobs start at around £10-£14 per hour. As an event security guard, jobs tend to be ad-hoc but could be a great way to boost your earnings at the weekend if you have a regular weekday 9-5 role. If you excel in the role, you could begin training new staff, managing a team or being part of the planning team that liaises with the police. So what are you waiting for? Start your journey by booking a course today.

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.