Security officer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• an approved training course

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply for a Professional Security Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship to get into this role.

You could also do a Security First Line Manager Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you have experience in security work.

These take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

OtherRoutes

To work legally in many jobs as a security guard you need a front line Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence.

Before you apply for this licence you need to train for an approved 'licence-linked' qualification . This is so that employers can be sure you have the skills and knowledge you need to do the job safely.

The qualification you need will depend on the type of security work you want to do, for example:

• guarding cash and valuables in transit
• CCTV operating
• front line security

You can search for the correct type of training with an approved training provider in your area, through the SIA website .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• customer service skills for challenging people politely but firmly
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• concentration skills to stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• excellent verbal communication skills for negotiating with people
• to be flexible and open to change
• leadership skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for dealing with emergencies
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of psychology
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• physical fitness and endurance

What you'll do:

Security officers make sure that buildings, valuables and people are safe and secure.

Your duties will depend on where you work.

As a security officer you could:

• patrol premises and secure doors, windows and other entrances
• monitor CCTV cameras and respond to alarms
• check staff and visitors in and out of buildings
• guard cash or other valuables in a security vehicle
• operate scanning equipment and devices, for example at airports
• guard important facilities, like power stations and hospitals

Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 48 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor or chief security officer.

You could take further qualifications, through an advanced Security First Line Manager apprenticeship to go into security management.

With management experience you could become an area security manager, with responsibility for offices, shops or other facilities across a region.

You could specialise as a consultant, advising businesses on certain types of security, for example close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management.

You could also set up your own security recruitment agency, or work for companies that develop and sell security systems, like biometrics or surveillance equipment.