If you’re looking to begin a career in private security or as a security guard in general, there are a few things to know about first. Working in security can be different from other industries and requires someone to have the right mix of training, personality, and background experience to be successful. After all, not everyone will be up to the challenge of becoming a security officer, but for those that have set their sights on this profession, at Bolton Traders LTD we want to help.

Below, you will find out all you need to know if considering a career in security and what you can expect from the role of a security guard or officer. You’ll discover how to become a private security officer, what qualifications you’ll need, and what opportunities are available when qualified.

To learn more about opportunities available here at Bolton Traders LTD, you can find out more on our jobs page.

The Role of a Private Security Officer/Guard

A security guard is employed by an organisation to protect not only physical buildings and areas, but also individuals. The role can be varied in the types of environments a security guard is needed, from clinical settings such as hospitals to government buildings and even educational buildings such as schools. No matter where a security officer is needed, the core fundamental part of the job stays the same – to ensure safety and protect valuable assets.

Whereas public security roles involve working for services provided by the government, private security is offered by security companies that can be hired by companies to help protect their interests. The security officer roles are similar in both private and public security, with both needing the right qualifications and licences to operate.

The role itself can be more than just providing a physical presence outside or inside a building, with a security officer having more responsibilities depending on where they are needed. Officers may need to monitor CCTV equipment and alarm systems, keep logs of activity during shifts, liaise with emergency services where necessary and potentially escort individuals or trespassers from a building or area.

As the role can be varied and involves the protection of the public, the role requires specific qualifications and checks depending on what the job involves. When companies look to hire a private security firm to provide security guards, they will want to see the required skills and knowledge has been gained to work as safely and competently as possible, as the role can involve working unsupervised and working alone at unsociable hours.

How do you Become a Private Security Guard?

The main qualification required is a Security Industry Alliance (SIA) licence. This is essential to ensure security officers are working legally in the UK if they are employed by a private security company. At Bolton Traders LTD, we ensure all employed security officers have this qualification and provide training towards this before being deployed. To get an SIA licence, a licence-linked qualification is required, so we provide the necessary training to enable our security officers to apply and receive their licence.

• Those applying for an SIA licence for the first time have to have received their qualification within the last 3 years.
• If reapplying for an SIA licence you held before, a new qualification needs to be completed if it has been longer than 3 years since the previous one was active.

Alongside the all-important SIA licence, this isn’t the only consideration those wanting to know how to become a private security guard need to make. You’ll also need to consider the following:

• Other training considerations – you may require a completed first aid course or other supporting skills that will help in the role
• Customer service skills – you’ll be representing the security company as well as the client, so having basic customer service skills is essential for dealing with the public. You may have to have difficult conversations, so being able to engage politely but firmly is helpful.
• Focus and concentration – you’ll need to stay alert throughout your shift to ensure public and property safety.
• Working under pressure – as you can imagine, the role has a lot of responsibility to ensure safety, so being able to work calmly with patience and under pressure is essential.
• Have basic computer skills – you may need to use handheld devices, CCTV systems or computers depending on the job, so having experience with these can help.
• Policing or military background – whilst not always necessary, having a background in similar disciplines will have many transferable skills that can help you do the job well.
• Speaking other languages – is also not always necessary, but living in a multicultural society means many different languages, so being able to speak other languages can be hugely beneficial and help you stand out as a candidate.