Training helps provide job security

Jamie Woods from Goldcrest Guarding Security Service has worked as a security guard for seven years. With the introduction of new regulations and licensing laws in 2001, she has had to retrain and pass an exam to stay in her chosen profession. Jamie said:

"The training course was excellent and I would highly recommend it, as it has given me the freedom to continue in my chosen profession. The training team were very supportive. Importantly for me, I was able to continue working whilst gaining my professional qualification. The trainers were especially helpful with the exam process. If a student did not pass the first time the trainers openly encouraged them to return and re-sit the exam.

"The cost of training was not something I could afford on my own, but fortunately my employers and the Skills Alliance (LSPA), with the backing of the South East England Development Agency, were able to come to the rescue and arrange the funding. "The course also provided me with clarity on areas of the law, for example my previous security training had not clearly explained the laws regarding arrest and this was one area I was unsure of. The course is only four days and I would encourage others who may be considering a career in the security industry to find out about the relevant training and funding available to them."

Recruitment and training are two key areas for the security industry. Lee Cooksey from Portsmouth based Goldcrest Guarding Security Service, explains:

"Recruitment is extremely important. When we take on a new security contract we need to ensure that we have the personnel in place to cover the work required. Changes to the law have meant improvements to the security industry as a whole. Today all our staff are trained to government standards and are also given further specialised training for the site they are working at.

"Having a trained and skilled workforce is the key to our success. We are one of only a handful of security businesses which has the highest industry accreditation - a hallmark of excellence for the supply of security services from the Security Industry Authority. With a large area to cover and a clientele who expect the best it is crucial that we have a well oiled team who have the skills and training necessary to deliver an excellent security service."

The professionalisation of the security industry has provided a challenge for employers and government alike. Through the LSPA and its Partners, the cost of training and licensing an individual, as well as the provision of quality training for employers, has helped to drive key changes within the security industry.