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Security officer apprenticeships

Emergency and uniform services

Security officer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
a course run by a private training organisation

Other Routes
You can take a training course approved by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Many of these courses are run by private training companies. You may also take a Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Providing Security Services. When you have completed the right course for the type of security work you want to do, you can apply for a front-line SIA licence. 


You must have this before you can work legally in the private security industry in any job that is on the front-line. You'll need a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence for agency and contractor jobs. Experience of working in the police or armed forces could help you get into this job.


Security officer apprenticeships - what it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need: 

  • knowledge of public safety and security 
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
  • the ability to work well with others 
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
  • thinking and reasoning skills for dealing with emergencies
  • concentration skills to stay alert and aware of your surroundings 
  • customer service skills for challenging people politely but firmly 
  • excellent verbal communication skills for negotiating with people 
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:

  • pass enhanced background checks
  • be over 18 years of age 
An employer will carry out checks on your personal and work history up to 10 years. You need to let them know about any criminal convictions before you apply for a security licence.

Security officer apprenticeships - what you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your duties will depend on where you work. You could: 

  • patrol premises and secure doors, windows and other entrances 
  • monitor CCTV cameras 
  • respond to alarms 
  • check staff and visitors in and out of buildings
  • guard cash or other valuables in a security vehicle
  • operate scanning equipment and devices, like at airports 
  • search luggage 
  • guard the boundaries of important facilities, like airports or power stations
Working environment
You could work at a store or from a vehicle. Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers. You may need to wear a uniform.

Career path and progression - Security officer apprenticeships

With experience, you could become a supervisor, then senior or chief security officer. With further qualifications like a Level 3 Security first line manager, you could go into security management or training. You could set up your own security company.

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Considering an Apprenticeship?

There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

  • Paid Training
    Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
  • Range of career opportunities
    There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
  • Earn & learn
    As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
  • Great career prospects
    Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
  • Learn on the job
    There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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