Security career guide: How to get into and advance in the industry

By Shahzad Ali, CEO of Get Licensed

After the pandemic devastated the security industry and reports revealed that 85% of the industry’s staff working in the night time industry are considering leaving after a tough year, it comes as no surprise that there has been a call out for recruitment to this sector.

After all, this industry is vital for ‘normal life’ to resume, as security staff are hired to protect and defend the country from a host of threats.

But, after a tough year, there is now a great opportunity for young, fresh employees to find their professional feet in an important, ever-changing line of work.

To help, Shahzad Ali, CEO of security training provider Get Licensed offers his top tips on how to get into the industry, secure a lifechanging role and thrive.

The importance of training and licensing

· To work legally in the UK, it is imperative to obtain your SIA approved license and get the right one for what you want to do.

· Exploring the negative impact of illegal, untrained staff working in the industry and potential consequences

· Explaining the importance of following the correct processes in your career, despite employment opportunities being available to those who don’t

· Supporting potential employees with how to find the best training provider for them

Be prepared to graft

· Stressing the importance of hard work to gain your qualifications

· Offering practical top tips for exam takers

· Highlighting the importance of focusing on the theoretical practice to ensure you come away with skills fit to protect civilians

· Are you the right person for the job? How training and qualifications will show you if you have what it takes

Stepping into your new role

· Discussing what happens after you’ve gained your qualifications

· How to thrive in your role long-term and climb the ranks

· Explaining the positives and negatives a role in the industry can have

· Highlighting the importance of caring for your own wellbeing as well as those you have been employed to protect for higher levels of productivity and a longer, more successful career