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Security Service personnel apprenticeships

Security guards and related occupations > Security Officer

Administration | Computing, technology and digital | Emergency and uniform services | Government services | Managerial

Security Service personnel apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • University
    To enter the Security Service with a degree, you'll need a pass at 2.1 or higher. Relevant degree subjects include: history, languages, politics, economics, maths and law. With a degree you can apply for job roles, like: intelligence analyst, internet and computer technology specialist, security, exploitation officer or foreign language analyst. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.

    Apprenticeship
    You could enter some roles through an intelligence analyst higher apprenticeship. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or the equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.

    Direct Application
    For some roles within the Security Service, like foreign language analyst or security guard, you would not need any specific qualifications. Entry would be based on the experience and skills you could bring to the role, for instance fluency in a language like Russian or Mandarin. There could also be opportunities for you if you have technical, vocational or professional qualifications in subjects like electronics or accountancy. 

    For support jobs such as business officer or administration assistant, you may need five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent including English and maths, or have relevant office-based experience. 


    Security Service personnel apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • customer service skills 
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • the ability to use your initiative 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to: 

    • be a British citizen 
    • be over 18 years of age 
    Due to the sensitive nature of the work, you would have background checks carried out, which could include detailed questions about your life. You would also have to provide work and character references. 

    Security Service personnel apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties may include: 

    • collecting information on threats to national security 
    • watching and reporting on suspects’ movements and actions using specialist IT or electronics equipment 
    • to record and observe meetings, conversations or activities 
    • reading emails and letters and checking social media 
    • deciding if something poses a potential threat
    Working environment
    You could work at a police station, in an office or in a control room. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding, outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home. You may need to wear a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Security Service personnel apprenticeships

    With experience and a good performance record, you could move into management. You could also move to another station in the UK or apply for opportunities with SIS and GCHQ.

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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!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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