Career Growth Through Security Guard Training: What You Need to Know

Security guards are everywhere. From concert venues to shopping centers, there are always security guards around to keep the public safe. If you have thought about a career in security, but you don’t know where to start, check out this guide to find out what you need to know to grow your career in the security field.

Responsibilities of a Security Guard

Security guards are primarily on the premises to keep the peace. This means that they are in a location to protect something, or someone, or to control large numbers of people. They can be hired for temporary events like festivals, concerts, or political rallies or on a full-time basis in places like hospitals, schools, corporate buildings, retail stores, and more. 

Security guards must be vigilant at all times and be good at memorizing their surroundings and using their observation skills. They also need to have fast reflexes and strength to be able to apprehend problematic characters if needed. There will also be a requirement to be able to perform basic first aid if needed. 

Importance of Security Guard Training

Not everyone can be a security guard and no one should be allowed to be a security guard without the basic training completed. After taking basic security courses, you will have skills in conflict resolution, first aid, emergency response, and surveillance. Most companies or establishments will not hire a person if they do not have at least the minimum required security training. Depending on the region in which you live, there will be different requirements for training.  

Different Paths of Security Guard Training

Depending on how far you want to go in your security career, you can take lots of different training courses to achieve your goals. Read below to find out the different types of courses available.

Basic Training

Every security guard in training has to start with the basics. Trainees will get an overview of what the role of a security guard entails and may even shadow a security guard for a few shifts to understand what a normal day is like. They will also learn their rights as a security guard and what they can and cannot do on duty according to local laws. 

Basic training may also teach students about foot and vehicle patrol so that they will be prepared to operate machinery if they get a job where they have to drive a car, scooter, golf cart, or any other kind of vehicle to fulfill their duties. Security guards have to make reports of any incidents that happen on their watch, so there will also be basic training about how to fill in incident reports and submit those to their superiors. 

Advanced Training

If you want a more in-depth training course after having worked as a low-level security guard for a while, then advanced training will help you move up the ladder. These advanced courses will teach you how to use certain weapons like batons, tasers, and even firearms depending on the type of job you are seeking. This kind of weapons training takes longer and requires more focus and dedication than other training. 

With the responsibility of bearing a weapon, advanced security training will teach you how to conduct yourself and when to use restraint. If force must be used, the use of weapons is the absolute last resort. In advanced training courses, you will learn the legal and moral implications of using certain weapons and why it is important to be trained properly in their use. 

Emergency response training will also be more detailed in advanced courses as you can learn how to respond to emergency situations like terrorist attacks, shootings, and even natural disasters like fires. As a security specialist, you will be equipped with knowledge on how to dress cuts, burns, and other skin injuries as well as stop bleeding and perform CPR before paramedics arrive to take over. 

You will also learn advanced detection and prevention techniques in advanced security training courses where you will learn how to detect dangerous individuals and prevent harm from coming to those who you are protecting. 

Specialized Courses

For those who want to pursue niche security jobs, extra training like bodyguard training, guard dog handling, cash-in-transit guarding, cybersecurity, and other extra courses will be required. These courses teach trainees how to handle specific situations and prepare for any scenario. They may also help trainees advance in the security industry and earn a higher paycheck. 

Bodyguard training not only entails learning close protection techniques but also teaches trainees how to avoid unwanted surveillance of their clients and even evasive driving techniques. Cybersecurity and surveillance training courses allow you to use technology in your work and learn how to guard large areas and online information. There are many career opportunities in the world of digital security because the world is growing increasingly digital. 

Required Certifications and Licenses

Every country and region has its own laws surrounding the requirements for security guards. It is important to look up the specific requirements in your area before you start any training. In the security industry, there are Class 1 and Class 2 licenses that you can obtain. Class 1 licenses cover security jobs from bodyguard to cash-in-transit guard to armed guard. Class 2 licenses cover careers like security consultant and private investigator and can be obtained by individuals who already have Class 1 licenses.

Career Advancement

By starting at the bottom as a basic security guard in a business building or a retail store, you can take more training courses and move up within your company or to other security companies that allow growth. Some of the top security jobs in the world are Chief Security Officer of a corporation or government, cybersecurity manager, and Director of Security. In these jobs you will be in charge of hundreds of other security workers and will handle big security situations like the transport of important people, the security of big venues for sporting events or concerts, and the protection of classified online information.

If you are seeking career growth through security guard training, then there are many paths that you can take. Keep this guide on hand as you navigate the world of security training.