How To Level Up Your Security Career
So, you’ve been working in security as a guard for a while and you’re ready to take that next step. Maybe you want to move up and into management. Or maybe you’re interested in moving into a niche area of guarding like Cash-in-transit. Whatever your security career goals ASSET has a course that will help you get there.
We’re here to show you how to level up your security career.
Niching down in Security
Many industries talk about niching down, but what does it mean? Niching down is all about becoming a specialist in one area.
For security this often means gaining additional specialist skills that relate to one specific type of security industry or role. This could be learning how to screen people and belongings and gaining specialist training for aviation security.
It could be about getting your armed security guard licence so you can become an armed guard or studying the process of safe valuables and cash handing for working in cash-in-transit.
There are lots of specialty areas you can niche down into in security.
Cash-in-Transit
Cash-in-transit guards play a crucial role in the secure transportation of cash and valuables. Their primary responsibility is to safeguard and transport large sums of money between various locations, such as banks, businesses, and ATMs. But they are also employed to move valuables from one location to another ensuring the safety and security of prized artworks, jewellery and other valuable items.
These highly trained professionals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure both their protection and protection of the assets they carry. They must always be alert and vigilant, using strategic measures to deter potential threats, such as robberies and heists.
Cash-in-transit guards also maintain strict adherence to established security protocols, often employing armored vehicles and state-of-the-art security systems to mitigate risks during transit. Their commitment to maintaining the integrity of the financial system and ensuring the safe movement of valuables is indispensable in safeguarding the interests of businesses and the public alike.
Cash-in-transit is a popular career move among security guards because this niche role pays better than an average security guard role. Many guards looking to upskill will study the Cash-in-transit skill set. Gaining this certification enables you to add the cash-in-transit function to your security guard licence.
This course covers everything you need to know including inspecting and testing equipment, implementing procedures and how to safely, securely and discreetly load and unload cash or valuables in public locations.
The delivery of this course depends on which state or territory you are completing the course in, but it varies from one to two days with some online work required before the start of the course.
You can learn more about the course here.
Armed Guarding
Armed guarding is a popular option for security guards looking to level up their skills and take the next step in their careers.
These armed guards play a crucial role in maintaining public safety and protecting assets in various settings. These highly trained professionals are primarily responsible for providing a visible and proactive deterrent against potential security threats.
Armed security guards are often deployed in sensitive locations such as banks, government buildings, and high-profile events. Their duties include conducting thorough security checks, monitoring surveillance systems, and promptly responding to any suspicious activities or emergencies.
Armed security guards undergo rigorous training to handle firearms responsibly and are well-versed in the legal and ethical aspects of using force when necessary. By effectively deterring and responding to security breaches, armed security guards contribute significantly to the overall security landscape, instilling a sense of confidence and safety in both the public and private sectors.
Security guards looking to expand their careers and move into armed guarding will need to complete additional training. The course requirement changes depending on which state or territory they work in, however in Queensland they need to complete the Firearms and Defensive tactics course. This course is delivered through an intensive one week workshop with theory and practical components including time at the firing range with live firearms.
You can learn more about this course here.
Aviation Security
Security guards looking to take the next step in their careers can choose to specialise in aviation security. These guards are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and safety of the aviation industry. These highly trained professionals are tasked with ensuring the protection of passengers, crew members, and aircraft from potential security threats.
Their primary responsibility revolves around maintaining strict security measures at airports and within aviation facilities. Aviation security guards diligently screen passengers and their belongings, inspect cargo and baggage, and monitor access points to restricted areas. They are also trained to detect and respond to any suspicious activities or potential risks, preventing unauthorised access to aircraft and maintaining order in busy airport environments.
Aviation security guards undergo specialised training in handling emergency situations, making them well-prepared to deal with incidents such as hijacking attempts or acts of terrorism. By upholding stringent security protocols, aviation security guards help instill confidence in air travel and contribute significantly to the industry’s overall safety and efficiency.
Aviation security complete additional training after gaining their Certificate II in Security Operations. They have to complete the Certificate II in Transport Security Protection. This course is specifically designed to equip guards with all the specialised knowledge and skills they need to excel in the aviation security industry.
In the course, they learn how to effectively screen people for contraband and dangerous items. They gain practical experience with actual equipment and machines used in airport screening as well as a host of other specialise security skills.
This course is taught through a blended delivery of intensive in-person workshops and online study.
You can learn more about this course here.
Becoming a bodyguard
A popular choice for many security guards is to pursue the bodyguarding career path in security. When it comes to the security industry, bodyguards are a kind of specialised guard. Bodyguards, also known as close protection officers, have the paramount responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of their clients.
These highly trained professionals are hired to protect individuals, such as high-profile personalities, celebrities, executives, or dignitaries, from potential threats, harm, or unwanted attention. Bodyguards conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities and create tailored security plans to mitigate risks.
Their duties encompass close monitoring of the client’s surroundings, constant threat assessment, and the implementation of proactive security measures. This may include maintaining a vigilant presence, controlling access to the client, and swiftly reacting to any potential dangers or security breaches. Bodyguards are often trained in self-defense techniques and possess a keen understanding of situational awareness, enabling them to swiftly respond to various scenarios and ensure the client’s safety in public or private settings. Their unwavering dedication to safeguarding their clients allows individuals to carry out their daily activities with confidence, knowing that they have a competent and protective presence by their side.
To get into this specialised area of security you’ll need to complete the Certificate III in Close Protection Operations. This course is taught through a combination of in-person and online sessions generally taking up to a month to complete. In the course you’ll gain specialised knowledge on conflict negotiation, security service coordination, controlling people using empty hand techniques and monitoring for crowd and individual behaviour.
You can learn more about the course here.
Becoming a manager
Making the leap from working as a guard to managing and leading other guards can be an intimidating concept. But, it’s solid move for those guards looking to move up in their career.
Security supervisors are in charge of overseeing and managing the security operations of a facility or organisation. These experienced professionals are responsible for supervising and coordinating the activities of security staff, ensuring that all security protocols and procedures are followed diligently.
Security supervisors are involved in the recruitment, training, and development of security personnel, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and knowledge. They conduct regular inspections and audits to assess the effectiveness of security measures and identify areas for improvement.
They often collaborate with other departments to address security-related concerns and implement comprehensive security strategies. In the event of incidents or emergencies, they take charge of coordinating responses, communicating with relevant authorities, and providing leadership to handle the situation effectively.
Guards often gain experience before they start the process of moving up the ranks, but when they are ready to take that next step the recommended course is the Certificate IV in Security Management. This course is delivered online through self-paced, trainer-supported study. It takes anywhere from six to twelve months to complete depending on whether you select accelerated or standard delivery.
In the course you’ll learn how to assess and advise on security needs, coordinate business resources, facilitate security operations briefing and debriefing processes and supervise security operations among many other useful skills.
You can learn more about the course here.
Security Risk Analyst
If you’re interested in moving away from hands on security work into a role that is data driven, then becoming a security risk analyst might be the perfect promotion for you.
These hard-working individuals specialise in identifying and assessing potential risks and vulnerabilities in various environments, such as organisations, systems, or facilities. Their primary objective is to proactively manage and mitigate security threats, ensuring the safety and protection of assets, information, and individuals.
Security risk analysts conduct comprehensive risk assessments, evaluating factors such as physical security, technological vulnerabilities, internal procedures, and external threats.
They analyse data, gather intelligence, and stay informed about emerging security trends to anticipate potential risks. Based on their findings, they develop and implement effective risk management strategies and recommend security measures to minimise the impact of potential threats.
Security risk analysts play a key role in creating emergency response plans and educating stakeholders about security protocols. Their expertise is essential in maintaining a robust security posture and ensuring that organisations are well-prepared to handle various security challenges and maintain a safe and secure environment.
To gain the skills to carry out this role, Security Risk Analysts may undertake a Certificate IV in Security Risk Analysis. This course can be completed entirely online so you can start anytime and study from anywhere in Australia. This flexible delivery mode allows you to continue working and fit your studies in around any other commitments you might already have.
In the course you’ll learn how to advise on technological security needs, assess security risk management options and the vulnerability of assets, as well as develop risk management plans.
You can learn more about this course here.
Final Thoughts
There are so many options for varied and challenging career paths for security guards looking to level up their security careers. If you’re looking for some advice and clarification you can get in touch with our course advisors.
Brand new to security?
If you’re just starting out you can learn all about a career in security at our security information sessions, or have a chat with our course advisors and they can run you through the process for becoming a security guard in your state or territory.