SIA Accredited Training Courses for Professionals

This article looks at the range of SIA training available to a range of professionals in the field, regardless of organizational or freelance personal requirements. This training is accredited, high quality and available in a range of security and protection fields.

Accredited training
Good training in the SIA field is essential for people working in the security, safeguarding and monitoring professions. Larger training providers will work with government departments and a range of commercial agencies to design effective training frameworks and training solutions that will meet the most robust industry requirements. The right training can provide the edge in this industry and often means the difference between employment and unemployment! In fact, the SIA (Security Industry Authority) insist that people applying for a license to work in certain areas of the security field, hold industry-recognized qualifications

and accreditation first. Once these have been granted, the applicant can work in a defined sector of the security business. However, training is available across fields, so professionals can move across security sectors as their careers and aspirations develop. The industry as a whole has become far more professional in recent years, as the effects of legislation and technology kick in and this is making the industry far more appealing to many new recruits who wish to build a rewarding career.

The range of courses
You'll find SIA courses to suit each profession and once you've achieved your accreditation, you can apply for a license to work within that particular field. There are courses in security guarding (BTEC Level 2), which usually runs over three days and covers topics such as Health & Safety, fire safety, communication skills, patrolling, searching, emergency procedures, technology, law and assessing risk. Managing conflict is also a key theme and there are linked courses in physical interventions. The Door Supervisor course also includes the physical intervention unit and training will give participants the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to work in this challenging field. Other courses include CCTV surveillance of public spaces and expert close protection,

In conclusion, if you're serious about working in the security industry, then you need to have SIA courses and training accreditation under your belt. These courses will give you the knowledge you need to operate confidently in your field and find work. They'll also allow you to build up your contacts lists and network of other professionals in the field. There are options to attend on day release, or options for residential course blocks if you're seeking to move through your qualifications quickly and in a block. It's well worth speaking to the training provider about your personal circumstances and goals, so that they can advise on the right training progression programme for you. Bear in mind too that some courses and resulting licenses will need you to provide a range of ID such as proof of address, name and other verification types.

Where to go
You'll find various local providers that offer a broad range of training courses and programmes, with regular start dates. These will usually be held at dedicated training centers due to the specialist requirements of the job. It's also worth finding a preferred supplier if you're leaving the military via a re-settlement programme, as there are some partner courses working with the Career Transition Partnership.

AUTHOR BIO
Tammy Wills writes regularly on sia courses and training for a range of websites and publications. A former security guard, she now consults to the training industry and acts in an advisory capacity to training providers and framework developers.