If you are looking to work as a Security Guard in the shopping centres, nightclubs and businesses of Luton there are some basic training courses and licenses you will need to obtain first. Any personnel working in the Security sector need to be registered with the Security Industry Authority (SIA). This includes bodyguards, nightclub door staff, airport security and retail security.
The law introduced in 2005, states that all people working in security must hold an SIA license of a NVQ level 2 in Security. The basic SIA license allows holders to work as a Security Guard and covers them for up to three years; most local Colleges and Adult Learning Centres run courses
To qualify for the courses entrants need to be 18 years or older, allowed to work legally in the UK and have no criminal convictions. Working as Door Staff includes extra elements that cover the responsibilities of door supervisors and conflict management.
Once you have completed your training and undertaken the basic exam, a series of multi-choice questions that are all covered during the course you can apply for your SIA badge.
Other areas within the security sector that require training, exam qualifications and a license include Public Space Surveillance (PSS) /CCTV Operators, Security Guards, Close Protection Training/Bodyguards and Vehicle Immobilisation Training.
The Security Industry Authority is responsible for setting the standards and specifications necessary within the training and examination of the security sector. They are also responsible for monitoring the evaluation system and its improvement and issuing licenses and maintaining the standards of the training.