20.04.2023

60,000 vacancies in the security industry

With over 60,000 vacancies in the UK, roles in the security industry are in high demand. This means making a career change to a security guard could be a lucrative opportunity for job seekers!

Roles in security aren’t just limited to door supervision or manned guarding as you may imagine. CCTV surveillance, airport security, close protection, concierge services and security systems installers are also amazing opportunities in the industry.

So how do you become a security guard? The security experts at Get Licensed have provided their top tips on how to get into the security industry:

1. Check you meet the eligibility requirements - To become a security guard in the UK you must be aged 18 or over and you must have proof you can work in the UK. You also need to be able to pass an identity and criminal record check, as well as a mental health check.

2. Take the Security Industry Authority (SIA) course - The SIA regulates the private security industry in the UK. You need to obtain an SIA licence to work as a security guard. Before you can get a licence you need to take the Security Guard training course. This course teaches practical things such as how to deliver first aid, deal with conflicts and diffuse situations that have the potential to get out of hand. The course only takes four days and costs as little as £179.99. The courses are hosted at over 85 locations around the country. You can check out a course that is local to you by on Get Licensed.

3. Find out if you need additional training - 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.

4. Get a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence - The licence costs £184 and takes about 25 working days to come through. You’ll need to make sure that you provide proof of your identity, course qualification and evidence of your right to work in the UK. They’ll complete a criminal record check once you apply for the licence.

5. Know where to look for jobs - CV Library, Indeed, Monster, and Reed are some of the top players in the recruitment sector. However, the leading job platform for security professionals is Get Licensed. Top security firms such as the NHS and G4S use Get Licensed to recruit security staff. You can use the GuardPass app to record a video profile to introduce yourself to clients. You can also detail your profile and easily put together a CV with effortless user-friendly software that does the hard work for you.

6. Gain relevant qualifications and training - The best way to advance in any career is to keep improving yourself. Taking additional courses such as Fire Safety, Customer Care, Health & Safety and Personal Licence courses can help you stand out from other applicants.

Shahzad Ali, security expert and CEO at Get Licensed, comments on the security staff shortage and opportunities within the industry:

“2023 is a great time to enter the security industry. The fee for an SIA licence in the regulated private security industry is at its lowest since 2004. This comes at a time when there is also a huge demand for security professionals due to the Government’s Protect Duty legislation creating a legal requirement for proportionate security measures. This opens the door for new people to enter the industry and start an exciting and rewarding career.

“The British Security Industry Association hopes to recruit more than 60,000 officers this year across a variety of roles. Earning potential varies between roles. In roles such as Door Supervisors, Patrol Officers and Security Guards, you can earn between £10 and £14 an hour, or up to £2,500 a month! However, that’s just the start, as you can make far more if you progress and are promoted to be head door person or security manager. That could easily see you earning in excess of £50,000 a year.

"There are currently 412,000 SIA licence holders in the UK, with the majority of licences covering security guarding and door supervision. The industry needs more women to join, as only 1 in 10 active licences are held by women. If you are interested in joining the security industry, now is a great time to make a career change."

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