Security guards and related occupations

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.

If you want to work with guard dogs, you could apply to do a Detection and Protection Working Dog Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

These take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

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.

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.

You could apply directly for jobs if you've got relevant experience in retail security, or from working in the police, armed forces or a security company.

You'll need to apply for a Close Protection licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to work as a bodyguard.

To apply, you must first complete the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative course, which is done through an SIA-approved training provider. You will also need a close protection first aid qualification.

Once you have your licence, you can apply to an organisation directly to work as a bodyguard or go through a recruitment agency specialising in security and close protection work.

Experience in the police, armed forces or prison service could be useful.

You could take a course at college to learn some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job.

Courses include:

• business administration
• customer service
• law and legal work

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:

• Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Public Service Operational Delivery Officer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Customer Service Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

You could apply directly for jobs. You'll usually need at least 2 GCSEs, including English at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C).

Experience in similar work, such as customer service or office administration, could be helpful. Employers will also look at your personal qualities and life experience.

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

This takes around 1 year to complete and includes on-the-job training.

To work as a door supervisor you will need a frontline licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Before you can apply for a licence, you must complete an SIA licence-linked qualification. This is the Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor in the Private Security Industry.

You will also need an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification, or equivalent. These courses are widely available through local colleges and with organisations like St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross.

Some training providers may combine the first aid course and the Level 2 Award. For others, you may need evidence that you have completed a first aid course before you start your licence-linked training.

You can search for approved training providers that offer courses leading to licence-linked qualifications.