Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.
| Job Prospects | Good: employment for this occupation is expected to be strong to 2010. |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $35,000 to $45,000 |
| Brief | There is much more to being a security officer than just physical strength. Security officers perform a variety of functions that protect people and property, as well as help maintain crowd control. There are approximately 1,400 security officers in South Australia. Employment is mostly full-time with the majority working in the Property and Business Services industry. Most persons in this occupation are males. The median age for this occupation is 35 years. |
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TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for:
Security Officer
Certificate III in Security Operations
Certificate II in Security Operations
Introduction
Security officers are trained to protect individuals and property in situations that are potentially dangerous or even life threatening. They also help maintain control in situations where large crowds are expected. One security officer said he enjoys his work because he regards it as an important job that enables him to assist the community. Like any occupation though, being a security guard comes with its downsides. This is mainly the lack of a social life. You may be called in to work at any time of the day, seven days a week!
Stationary security officers can be found undertaking external and internal checks of banks, pharmacies and other premises such as corporate businesses. They guard commercial, industrial and private properties in order to prevent any unwanted incidents, such as an illegal entry.
Mobile patrol officers perform random or regular checks on premises. They perform tasks such as staff escorts and lock downs of premises. They inspect for general workplace hazards, for any irregularities and for intruders. They also ensure that doors and safes are locked. Clearly, one skill that is particularly important for mobile patrol officers is an eye for detail.
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Education Requirements
Entry into this occupation is generally through either completion of compulsory secondary education or higher qualifications. Of those people currently employed in this industry 23% have Certificate III or IV; 13% have an Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas; 8% have Certificate I or II; and 7% have Bachelor degrees. Around 46% have no post-school qualifications. It is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment. You may also be required to pay a licensing fee.
For those interested in a management role in the security industry, tertiary courses are available and are strongly supported by industry. TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation: Certificate II in Security Operations; Certificate III in Security Operations; or the Certificate III Investigative Services. For further information about award courses please check the TAFE SA website. Still unsure? Then contact the TAFE SA Information line on 1800 882 661 to enquire about availability of related short courses.
Career Path
Security officers are employed by private security firms, banks, large department stores, industrial and commercial organisations and property companies that own office blocks and hotels.
There is a relatively high rate of staff turnover. In recent years there has been growth in the numbers of security officers employed and this is expected to continue.
Security officers may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions or to central control duties, checking that visits or patrols have been undertaken. Opportunities for promotion are generally better with larger organisations, although it is possible to move from a small employer to a more senior position with another firm. It is a very large occupation with good employment opportunities.
Industry
Property and Business Services
Interview
To be added
Nature of the Job
If an alarm sounds, it is the duty of both mobile and static patrol officers to investigate the problem and notify the police or owners. If there is an intruder, they should contain the scene until the police arrive. Other security personnel may be trained in self defence techniques and conflict resolution techniques, especially if they want to become a crowd controller. These officers guard the entrances and exits of buildings and regulate crowd movements. Armoured car personnel are officers who guard the pick up and delivery of valuables. Entry into this profession requires a psychological test and training in the use of firearms. Loss prevention officers work mainly in department stores, deterring theft by carrying out random checks of employees, as well as customers. These officers must have an excellent eye for detail and must be very customer service oriented. On some occasions, customers may resist having their baggage searched.
Typical Physical Working Environment
All security officers need to maintain self control and discipline during conflict situations. They also need to communicate with fellow officers, employers and the public and be able to work as a part of a team. Basic reading and writing skills, a high level of fitness, punctuality and reliability are also prerequisites for the job. First aid skills are useful and in some cases employers require that you have a Senior First Aid Certificate. Because of the irregular hours (most work night shifts), it is important for intending security officers to be willing to work nights, weekends and public holidays. Having a current drivers licence is essential and those interested in crowd control need self defence and conflict resolution skills. Industry representatives say that nowadays, employers are opting for people who are 'user friendly'.
Employers are becoming more interested in the people skills of their employees, because around 80%of a security officer's job involves talking to and reasoning with the public. They also suggest that there are untapped opportunities for females in this field of work. Although few females work in crowd control, the number of stationary security officers who are female is definitely on the rise. Employment can be found in shopping centres, art galleries, department stores, night clubs, retail shops, special events, banks and private security firms.
Typical Occupational Example
Technological changes have also occurred in the security industry. Patrol officers now have mobile data transfer (MDT) installed in their cars so that alarm information can be sent via computer radios. Electronic log sheets are used to record the time and place of patrols and cars are installed with a GPS (Global Positioning System) so they can be located anywhere in Australia. According to a training representative for the security industry, graduates of the security operations courses are currently being 'swallowed up' by the security industry. The level of expertise required in this occupation has increased, hence the call for qualified persons. However, the industry representative also attributes this new outlook to the high job turnover rate that this occupation experiences.
For further information, contact:
Australian Security Industry Association Ltd (National Office)
PO Box 1338 Crows Nest, NSW 1585
Ph: (02) 9906 4780 or 1800 804 510 (Freecall)
Fax: (02) 9906 4202
Email: security@asial.com.au
Website: www.asial.com.au
National Australian Security Providers Association
PO Box 319 Oberon, NSW 2787
Ph: (02) 6335 5226
Fax: (02) 6335 5229
Email: admin@naspa.com.au
Website: www.naspa.com.au
Construction and Property Services Training Industry Skills
PO Box 314 Hall, ACT 2618
Ph: (02) 6230 2907
Fax: (02) 6230 2849
Email: heidi.carmona@cpsisc.com.au
Website: www.cpsisc.com.au
Earning Potential
Salaries are sometimes negotiable, and depend on the employer. Most security officers earn $35,000 - $45,000 a year, with some officers earning up to $50,000 a year.
Further Information
For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au
This Career Profile information was last modified: 12/11/2007 10:24:52 AM
The information was accurate at the time of publication. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary
