How To Go From Security Guard To A Manager In Security

For too long, security work has been seen to be a part-time option. It’s not! There are plenty of full-time opportunities and an exciting career ladder to climb. Go from on the job to managing it or training people to do it. 

Any job has specific requirements, knowledge, skills and experience. Like many other professional jobs, there has to be training to obtain a licence to practice. Get Licensed, and our training partners are here to help you climb that ladder if you want to. 

Remember that since the 2001 Private Security Act, it has been the law that security personnel meet certain requirements. The Security Industry Authority is charged with ensuring these conditions are met— these are the guys every licensed operator answers to.

How To Move Up The Security Career Ladder

Getting Started

If you do not already have your licence in the security business, watch this comprehensive video on the private security industry and start the process.

If you already have your SIA licence, maybe working part-time, or you want to earn more and do more, then get some more training under your belt. Extending your knowledge of the job is the way forward.

Most entering security have the option to opt for several SIA licences. These are the most popular –

✅ Security Guard Licence

✅ Door Supervisor Licence

✅ CCTV Operator Licence

✅ Close Protection Licence

The security guard licence is a 6-day course that, once completed, allows you access to a variety of jobs but not anywhere alcohol is present. For this, you need to take the Door Supervisor training course. These training courses equip you with the skills to do security work which includes – 

✅ For those with a Security Guard Licence, jobs in

Static guarding 

Manned guarding 

Key-holding

 Retail

✅ For those with a Door Supervisor Licence, jobs in

Licensed premises

Offices

Static guarding

Manned guarding

Retail, 

Events,  

This licence covers all Security Guarding roles

✅ For those with a CCTV Operator Licence, jobs in

CCTV operator

Control room

Public space surveillance

Climbing The Ladder

Obtaining your SIA licence is the start of your career. Now you need to build experience. You can do this ‘on-the-job’, but further training is something that stands out to employers. This tells employers you are serious about what you are doing. 

Personal development is a continuing need throughout any career. At Get Licensed, we provide the appropriate training, help, advice and support to get you where you want to be, from mock exams online to training courses around the UK.

Let’s not forget that along with increased skills, knowledge and experience, jobs start to pay more, so does your earning potential.

Which Direction To Go In

Management?

Do you want to lead a team? Develop your management potential? This is possible within the security industry. Go from being a member of the team to being the head of the team. Use learnt risk assessment skills to manage projects and support your team in effectively carrying out their jobs. 

As your skills improve and new ones are learnt, your CV will grow, making you even more attractive to employers. This means better job opportunities and a clear career path. It may be you that is running your own security firm one day!

Training?

Well, why not? A security licence is compulsory, meaning training is always required. So the jobs for lead trainers continue to grow. This aspect of a career path is rewarding and exciting. As a security trainer, you prepare others to do the work you know so well. You are the person who will help to maintain the standards of the job and promote the growth of professionalism in the industry. A different direction but being a security trainer opens up many different career opportunities.

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.