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Bodyguard apprenticeships

Security guards and related occupations > Bodyguard

Emergency and uniform services | Government services | Home services

Bodyguard apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this career by:

  • a college course
  • applying directly

    • College
    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

    Direct Application
    You can apply to an organisation directly to work as a bodyguard or go through a recruitment agency specialising in security work. You'll need a Close Protection licence issued by the Security Industry Authority. To get a licence, you'll usually need to complete the Level 3 Certificate for Working as a Close Protection Operative. This is available through training providers approved by the Security Industry Authority. 

    Older qualifications may be acceptable, depending on when you got them. Many people enter this career after working in the police or the armed forces. It may be useful if you can speak more than one language for certain jobs, for example diplomatic work.


    Bodyguard 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 
    • concentration skills 
    • customer service skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to: 

    • have a good level of fitness 
    • have a first aid certificate
    • pass enhanced background checks
    • be over 18 years of age 
    • have a Security Industry Authority licence
    • have a full driving licence

    Bodyguard apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day tasks you could: 

    • protect clients from threats like terrorism, or from political opponents, stalkers or over-enthusiastic fans 
    • check out premises before clients arrive
    • plan to identify and prevent potential threats or disruption 
    • stay constantly alert to react to threatening situations 
    • accompany clients on business and social visits 
    • drive clients to and from venues
    Working environment
    You could work at a client's business or at a client's home. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Bodyguard apprenticeships

    With experience, you could specialise in surveillance, driving or residential security, or move into risk assessment consultancy work.

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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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