SIA Training and Beyond
Type SIA training or security training provider into Google and you will find pages upon pages of results. Search specific to the type of SIA training you want, in your local area.
The best advice we can give is not to rush into booking your security training course until you have vetted the providers thoroughly. Research the provider on the internet and give them a call.
Alternative training providers
It is worth remembering that the SIA only covers the entry level training that is required to become a security officer.
Once you have passed your SIA training and are working in the industry, you will often want to look for ways to improve your skills and obtain higher training qualifications.
Security threats change over time, for roles such as close protection, there are many add on training qualifications you can achieve.
Furthermore, new technology changes the way security professionals work and the types of equipment they use.
For all of these reasons, the security industry relies on higher and specialist levels of training that do not come from the SIA.
The BSIA (British Security Industry Association) is the main organization that works alongside training providers, colleges and security companies to ensure that the standards of training remain high and universal throughout the UK.
Security Training and the BSIA
As part of its role overseeing the standards of national security training, the BSIA has launched a code of conduct for training providers.
Member training providers agree to follow the code in the conduct of their courses. This has gone a long way to strengthen standards within the industry. If you are looking for a training course beyond that of the SIA, you need to make sure the provider is following the BSIA standards listed below:
• deliver a professional, quality service
• protect the interests of customers
• act in a legal, fair and honest way
• meet the British codes of advertising and sales promotion
• honour all guarantees or warranties they make
• provide after sales service and support
• have robust complaints and arbitration processes
• avoid conflict of interests
• have respect to other quality training providers
The BSIA has also published a top 10 tips list for finding a suitable training provider.
Maritime security training
Maritime security requires a very specialist type of training and is also highly regulated. To work in such a role you will need to have completed maritime security training plus basic working at sea and maritime first aid and safety qualifications.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is the organization that regulates most of the maritime security training available. The best place to check if you are interested in this type of work and training is the MCA website. The following page contains a list of MCA training and accreditation schemes.
Academic Qualifications in security
UK Universities do run a number of courses that provide academic security qualifications. These are especially useful for those considering a management career within the security industry or are looking for roles in the fast growing IT security sector.
The UCAS website is the best place to start for a search in this area. information security-related degrees.
Further SIA Training
Make sure you are aware of any changes in SIA training and updated training that may be required. The recent change to the Door Supervisor training is a good example of this.
Maintain up to date training and remain employable
It is very important to keep your training up to date if you wish to have a long and successful career in the security industry. Keep an eye on the SIA and BSIA websites. Speak to your employers if you feel there is a course available that will help you be better in your job, ask them to place you on it. If you are a freelance security officer in areas such as close protection, the more accredited training you have to your name the better. The better training you have, the safer you and those you protect will be. At the end of the day, that is exactly what you are trying to achieve.