Security Jobs and Courses in the United Kingdom for 2025

Overview of Security Jobs in the UK in 2025

The UK security sector continues to develop in 2025, with demand for licensed security professionals across various roles. Job opportunities include:

• Security GuardWorking in retail stores, warehouses, corporate offices, hospitals, or events—focused on public safety, property protection, and incident prevention.
• Door SupervisorRoles in licensed venues such as bars, nightclubs, festivals, and events where physical intervention and crowd control skills may be required.
• CCTV OperatorMonitoring security camera footage for suspicious activity in various settings including transport hubs and commercial premises.
• Close Protection Officer (Bodyguard)Providing personal protection for high-profile individuals, requiring specialized advanced training.
• Fire & Security EngineerInstalling and maintaining security systems such as alarms, access control, and fire safety systems.
• Relief Security OfficerTemporary or backup roles in multiple security settings, often requiring flexibility and a broad range of security skills.

Reported salaries for security roles vary by job function, experience, and location, typically ranging between £7 and £25 per hour. Full-time security guards may earn up to approximately £3,200 monthly, whereas more specialized positions such as close protection officers may have higher pay rates.

Mandatory Licensing: The SIA Licence

In the UK, working legally as most types of security personnel requires holding a valid licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This mandatory licensing applies to:

• Security Guards (Level 2 Award)
• Door Supervisors
• CCTV Operators
• Close Protection Officers

Licensing Requirements and Process

1. Complete Required TrainingChoose an SIA-recognised course relevant to your intended role, such as Security Guard training or Door Supervisor training.
2. Pass an ExamExams assess your knowledge of security laws, officer responsibilities, conflict management, and emergency procedures.
3. Background CheckSubmit to a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to ensure you meet the fit and proper person criteria.
4. Licence ApplicationApply online via the SIA website, pay a fee around £184 (updated for 2025), and await approval.

It is important to obtain your SIA licence before starting paid security work.

Security Training Courses Available in 2025

Several courses are designed to prepare candidates for an SIA licence and provide practical and theoretical knowledge.

Security Guard Training (Level 2 Award)

• Duration: Typically 4 days
• Content: Security industry basics, officer responsibilities, conflict management, emergency response
• Venue: Available as virtual classrooms or in-person across multiple UK training providers
• Cost: Approximately £200 including VAT
• Outcome: Eligibility to apply for the SIA Security Guard licence
• Note: This qualification allows work in shopping centres, warehouses, hospitals, offices, but not in licensed premises serving alcohol.

Door Supervisor Training

• Suitable for employment in licensed venues (pubs, clubs, festivals)
• Includes physical intervention and conflict management techniques
• Typically similar course length and cost to Security Guard training
• Required for roles in nightlife and event security sectors.

CCTV Operator Training

• Focuses on compliance with surveillance laws and monitoring skills
• Suitable for those who prefer largely non-physical, observation-based security roles
• Requires an SIA licence specific to CCTV operation.

Additional Courses and Certifications

• Close Protection Training (Bodyguard Certification)
• Basic Handcuff Training
• Various levels of First Aid certification (e.g., Emergency First Aid, Paediatric First Aid)
• Specialised courses like Firearms Training (Level 4), Mechanical Restraints

Support and Flexible Payment Options

Leading course providers such as Get Licensed, First Security Training, Limitless Security Training, and others offer support and education services:

• Pass rates reported by providers with options for exam retakes available under their policies
• Exam results typically communicated promptly; certification provided upon successful completion
• Refund policies may apply under specific terms and conditions
• Payment options include:
• Upfront payment
• Payment after 30 days
• Instalment plans via Klarna or PayPal
• Virtual classroom options provide interactive learning online, which can accommodate various schedules.

Skills and Professional Requirements

The important skills include:

• Observation and attention to detail
• Communication skills including clear and confident interaction
• Conflict de-escalation and management
• Professionalism, punctuality, and reliability
• Physical fitness can be beneficial, especially for active roles such as Door Supervisors.

Many roles, such as CCTV and concierge security, primarily involve observation and customer service.

Career Progression Opportunities

Obtaining an SIA Security Guard licence allows access to diverse career paths such as:

• Progression to Door Supervisor roles with varied work environments
• Specialisation in CCTV monitoring or Close Protection services
• Pursuing careers in fire and security engineering which may require additional technical training or apprenticeships
• Opportunities in management or roles as security training instructors.

Labour Market Conditions for 2025

The UK security sector in 2025 continues to have numerous job openings across:

• Hotel, retail, and construction site security
• Transport (airport and aviation) and network/information security
• Fire & security engineering roles with salaries reported up to £37,500 depending on experience
• Relief security officer roles with hourly rates typically ranging from approximately £12.96 to £13.78

Qualified and licensed security personnel are regularly sought after in the sector.

Summary

To pursue security jobs in the UK in 2025, key steps include:

1. Identifying your preferred security role and confirming if an SIA licence is required.
2. Enrolling in an approved training course (e.g., Security Guard or Door Supervisor training).
3. Completing the training and passing the associated exam.
4. Applying for your SIA licence and passing the necessary background checks.
5. Exploring job opportunities in a growing security industry.

Flexible payment and virtual training options are available to assist those seeking qualification. The security industry values professionalism, skill, and good customer service, providing opportunities for career development.

Sources

• Get Licensed - Security Guard Training
• UK Government Find a Job - Security Jobs
• Skills for Security - Fire & Security Training

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