Skills

General

In 2021, the Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC) conducted research on the key economic and labour market data relating to the private security sector as defined by ONS (Office for National Statics). This revealed that Security businesses are marginally more likely to report gaps in the skills of their workers than other businesses operating in England and Wales.

 

Government, industry, and academia are working to address skills shortages by developing opportunities to develop skills needed by the sector, and ultimately create a clear pathway which encourages the next generation to consider a career in security. This is done through the Security and Resilience Growth Partnership (SRGP).

 

The SRGP is a strategic level Home Office Ministerial meeting chaired jointly by the Minister for Security and the Chair of the UK’s Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers Community (RISC). The SRGP is a key element of the partnership with the security sector (industry and academia) to support the UK’s security and resilience sector.

 

As part of this partnership approach, JSaRC has delivered a Security Sector Skills Brochure; aimed at young individuals (aged between 14-24). The Brochure highlights some of the excellent career pathways and educational routes available across the UK. JSaRC aims to bring the Security Sector to the forefront of career options available for young individuals in the UK.

 

The Security Sector Skills Brochure is a key piece of delivery under the SRGP.

 

To deliver the Security Sector Skills Brochure, JSaRC has collaborated with the following Key Industry Partners:

  • CCL Solutions Ltd
  • Security Institute
  • SIA
  • BSIA
  • Skills for Security
  • RISC
  • The Security Skills Board

Digital copy of the Security Skills brochure

Weblinks to the Skills Brochure

 

Security & Policing 2023: Skills Agenda

The annual Home Office Security and Policing exhibition is to bring together the ministers, senior civil servants, and international delegates. The Joint Security & Resilience Centre (JSaRC) was successfully created a ‘Operation Haystack – The Search is On’ live immersive in Security & Policing 2023.

 

This was an ‘escape room’ style immersive which showcased various technologies from the security sector and some of the skills required.

 

An additional feature was added to the 2023 Immersive, where information highlighting security careers and career paths available in the UK were showcased.

 

‘Operation Haystack – The Search is On’, provided a highly interactive and hands on opportunity, for participants to test and experience some of industry’s most innovative solutions. Participants will be expected to make key decisions and solve complex problems; all in a fast-paced setting.

 

Participants had to draw on key soft skills such as teamwork and problem solving to escape.

 

Please click the following link to learn more about security and policing exhibition: Security and Policing 2024 – The Official UK Government Global Security Event, 12 – 14 March 2024.

 

The following industries have worked with JSaRC to attain the Skills Immersive:

  1. Thales – Building a future we can all trust (thalesgroup.com).
  2. Foster + Freeman | Forensic Science Innovation.
  3. Threat visualisation for the real world – Cunning Running SoftwareCunning Running Software.
  4. Crisis Management Roleplay Actors and Film Makers – CrisisCast CrisisCast.
  5. UMS Skeldar – Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

JSaRC is eager to engage with industries and academia that are interested in developing new and interesting content for the immersive experience. This immersive experience is a great way to show how collaboration and innovation can work together, to ensure a secure and successful future for the UK.

 

Please register with us by clicking the link below if you would like to receive regular updates and news from JSaRC: Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC) (smartwebportal.co.uk).

 

Information on Student visit at S&P 2023:

 

To further promote the Security Sector, including possible career routes and necessary skills required, JSaRC arranged for a group of 17 students and 4 lecturers from Farnborough College of Technology to visit Security & Policing, on 16 March.

 

The selected students are currently undertaking a BTEC Level 3 in Uniformed Protective Services, and many have hopes of working within the emergency and armed services.

 

Having students attend the event was a first in the show’s 41-year history. It was a great success. Many of the students had their horizons extended and saw first-hand the vast range of job opportunities available across the Security sector. All of which we hope will inspire them in the future.

Young Individuals Section

The Security Sector offers opportunities for all and actively promotes equality. With a wide range of career pathways available, the Sector champions diversity and inclusion.

As part of JSaRC’s aim to introduce the Security Sector to all young individuals, please read below for additional supporting information:

Education

A variety of educational routes could lead you to an excellent career in the security sector.

  • GCSEs/IGCSEs
  • A-Levels
  • T-Levels
  • Pre- employment Training
  • Apprenticeships
  • University Degrees (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
  • Security Industry Placements & Internships
  • On the job training

*Please be aware that the qualifications listed above may vary from region to region.

Did you know that some Government and Security organisations could also provide the funding for some of the above routes?

Security Career Inspiration:

Let your career take flight with a variety of interesting security-related options available to you. Such as:

  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Border Force Officer
  • Dog Handler
  • Professional Security Operative
  • Security Officer
  • Intelligence Officer

Options for within Digital/Cyber field:

  • Security Architect
  • Security Analyst
  • IT Security Co-ordinator
  • Cyber Security Specialist
  • Artificial Intelligence Engineer
  • Cyber Security Researcher

MI5/MI6 Security Services do school leavers, internships, graduates, and experienced hires.

  • Graduates Scheme – Intelligence Officer Development Programme and Technology Graduate Development.
  • Intelligence and Data analysts
  • Mobile Surveillance Officers
  • Cyber Technical Analysts
  • Behavioural Scientist
  • Physical Security Advisors

Further Opportunities – Industry Placements, Internships, and work experience

Industry placements provide students with an opportunity to develop their practical and technical skills. Industry placements allow you to build relationships with potential future employers and can enhance your CV.

An internship is a great introduction to an industry or a role you may want to pursue. They can be paid or unpaid, as the main purpose is for the intern to gain experience. Some companies may offer virtual internships, that you can complete remotely (at home on your laptop or computer).

If you have an education, health and care plan you may be eligible for a Supported Internship.

Work experience is important for getting into any career. Work experience can be useful for anyone of any age and at any stage of your career. A good work experience placement will allow the individual personal development opportunities and to gain a better understanding of what the role and responsibilities involve. Work experience allows you to gain skills, which may be transferable to future roles.

QR code – Please scan below QR code for further information relating to the Security Sector.

 

 

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