Things to Consider before Joining a Security Course in the UK

The private security industry is expanding at a quick rate in the UK and a lot of job opportunities are being created for the interested candidates. But there are quite a few things that you must remember as a candidate before applying for the security training courses in the UK. Some of the most important ones are discussed below in this article.

1.      Choosing the right course

There are a variety of departments within the private security industry and you must choose the right security training course as per their passion and interest. The door supervisor course prepares you to supervise the doors whereas the CCTV training prepares the candidate to work in the surveillance room and operate the equipment. Each course varies in its objectives and purpose and must be wisely chosen.

2.      Right training provider

There are a lot of security training providers in the UK but only a few are recognised by the SIA. It is necessary to ensure that the training provider you choose holds the SIA recognition and has relevant experience in the industry. Choosing an SIA recognised training provider makes the license application process easier.

3.      Effective communication

It is one of the prime skills that you will need irrespective of the job role you join in the private security industry. You will often be required to communicate with the other team members, the guests or the visitors, and the higher authorities as well.

4.      Team working abilities

You cannot ensure the safety and security of the entire premises all by yourself. The various security operatives work in teams, and the teams work as a unit to enhance efficiency. The surveillance teams work as the eye of the ground staffs and help to look into areas that are physically inaccessible by the security guards. The door supervisors guard the doors and prevent unauthorised or unwanted entry, thus achieving complete security. It is impossible without a sound team working abilities.

5.      Training

During the training, you will be taught of the various rules and regulations of the industry along with the much essential practical skills essential to handle the real-life problems on the job role. The SIA syllabus can provide you a rough idea to qualify the assessment but you would not only be under-confident but incompetent on the job role as well.

6.      Qualification

The qualification of the security training course assessment is the key. Most of the training providers assess the candidates based on the written assignment and practical tests before awarding the qualifying certificates. Without qualifying the assessment, you cannot apply for the SIA license.

7.      License

The license is the key to apply for any of the job roles in the market. In this context, you must remember that separate licenses are issued by the SIA for each of the specific departments and you cannot apply to one job role with the license of another, e.g., you cannot apply for a door supervisor job role with a CCTV operative license. But you can apply for multiple courses and earn multiple licenses, thus earning eligibility for each of the job roles.

8.      Honesty

It is one of the most essential elements without which you cannot work in the private security industry. You will often be entrusted with the responsibility to take care of the premises during the night time. A criminal background check and trustworthiness are two of the mandatory elements that must be presented apart from the SIA license.

9.      Vigilance

In the private security industry, you cannot afford to be careless even for a moment. You must be alert at all times and maintain vigilance over all that is going on. Observation is a prime skill that must be developed to excel in this industry.

10.  Standards

The various standards that you will be taught during the security training courses must not be neglected. It is necessary to abide by them and ensure their maintenance within the industry. It not only helps to improve customer services but also works helps to increase the efficiency of the team.

As you start working in the private security industry and start earning experience, you can improve your pay rates rapidly. But it depends on your qualifications, experience and job location as well. You can earn more licenses to increase the chances as well.