With approximately 500,000 people employed in the private security business, contributing an estimated £6 billion to the UK economy, the security industry is set to grow even more with the forthcoming London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. To cope with the rising demand, Get Licensed, a leading accredited training company in the Security Industry is increasing the number of courses it delivers across the UK and encouraging people to consider a career in the private security business to meet the demands in the industry over the next few years.

Since the introduction of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, standards in the security industry have risen considerably.  Those working in the industry are required to obtain a SIA licence. Whether it is a job as in Security Guarding, Door Supervisor, CCTV surveillance or as a Body Guard, candidates have to undergo rigorous training before a licence is issued. A trained security officer is an asset to any organisation and is very employable. “The old impression of a security officers being mere night watchmen are long gone. Today a security officer safeguarding a premise has more to deal with then just ensuring secure systems and good practice. There are so many personal qualities that make a good security officer. For example, many people make the mistake of thinking one has to be big and burly to be a doorman/bouncer, the main trait is for him  to be level headed, calm and unflappable in order to diffuse a  heated situation, or drunken raucous customer” said Shahzad Ali, managing director of Get Licensed.

With high quality training courses in all aspects of the security industry, Get Licensed feels that Security industry is one market that many overlook. “Like any industry, a career in security can have a successful career path. People with SIA licence for security guarding can add to their personal development qualifications for CCTV surveillance, or go on to teaching qualification, “said Madiha Adil, chief executive office of Get License, and recent winner of Female Entrepreneur of the Year. A graduate of Human Resources and Employment Relations, Madiha is passionate about ensuring high standards in security industry and ensuring the right people are recruited to the job. Together with husband, Shahzad Ali, Get Licensed employs more than 60 people across the country delivering the accredited training. Though pre-dominantly a male role, women too are encouraged to consider a career in security industry. “There is an increasing need for women security officers especially public buildings like airports or universities where if there is a need for body search, then female security officers are required for women passengers or students. And because it is usually shift work, it can work around family needs,” said Madiha

Since its launch in 2007, Get Licensed has seen a 400% increase in student intake, doubling their enrolment from 2500 to 10,000 in a year. “We are conducted courses in 30 cities in   the UK, so that as many people as possible can assess our training and pursue an SIA licence,” said Shahzad Ali. With their rapid expansion, Get Licensed is not just the fastest growing Security training company in the UK but the largest provider of SIA linked courses in the country. Courses cost from £130 to £250.