First UK apprenticeship launched for front line security personnel

An increased demand for security services, an ageing workforce, the ongoing impact of Brexit and the fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic are all affecting the UK. In parallel with that backdrop, the UK is facing an acute shortage of security officers. In fact, it has been estimated that around 62,000 new security officers are going to be needed to meet demand and ensure public safety.

The landmark Security Officer Services Apprenticeship (ie the Level 5 SVQ Apprenticeship in Providing Security Officer Services) was introduced to Scotland in 2021 and has recently seen its first cohort complete the programme. It’s a funded 12-month course that equips security personnel with the training, skills and expertise needed to be a modern and professional security officer. Areas of focus and learning include fire safety, mental health awareness, conflict management, counter-terrorism and safeguarding.

There are currently over 500 students enrolled on Skills for Security apprenticeships across the UK for courses that range from Fire, Emergency and Security Systems through to the Security First Line Manager. It’s anticipated that the Security Officer Services Apprenticeship will go live for the remainder of the UK this summer.

Career considerations

Marcia Mackay (pictured), aged 25, is a Security Industry Authority-licensed security officer with SecuriGroup and, indeed, one of the first students to have completed the Security Officer Services Apprenticeship. Having gained the skills needed to tackle the latest security threats, Mackay is now calling for other young people to consider a career in the industry.

Commenting on her apprenticeship, Mackay stated: “I think there’s a real opportunity to change the industry. Enticing more young people and females is a big part of that change. I think we’re compassionate. We listen. To derive the best outcomes with the public, that’s what you need.”

Mackay added: “The security sector is a great environment in which to grow life skills. It’s about team working, social engagement and stepping up to take responsibility. I’ll be using those skills for the rest of my life.”

An employee of SecuriGroup for the last six years, Mackay is now working towards further accreditation with the aim of becoming a security manager.

Recognised qualifications

Mike Reddington, CEO at the BSIA, noted: “Recognised qualifications and defined career pathways are key elements when it comes to changing perceptions of what a role in the security industry looks like. It’s an essential role in keeping people, property and places professionally protected.”

Referencing Mackay, Reddington asserted: “Young people like Marcia, who are completing their security apprenticeships, are showing that there are very real opportunities for development in the security business sector, both from a personal and a professional standpoint. There’s much, much more to a career in security than wearing a hi-vis vest.”

Approved training provider

SecuriGroup has been delivering security training and apprenticeships for five years. At present, the company has 30 students enrolled on the Security Officer Services Apprenticeship programme.

David Brook, training and development manager at SecuriGroup, explained: “We’ve been an approved training provider within the industry for more than 20 years. With our expertise, our commitment to quality and our robust assessor capabilities, we’re providing individuals with tangible and transferable skills, and at the same time creating exactly the calibre of security professionals the industry needs.”

Brook concluded: “We will take our initial success with this programme and replicate it across Scotland such that it becomes a benchmark for the UK in relation to how security apprenticeships should be delivered.”