You may be thinking of getting an SIA Licence and starting to work in a recession-proof industry. But how do you go about enrolling in a free SIA course?
One way to achieve this is by enjoying the Principles of Working in the Private Security Industry course below, also known as Unit 1.
Topics Covered:
- Working for the Private Security Industry
- Communication Skills and Customer Care
- Awareness of the Law in the Private Security Industry
- Health and Safety for the Private Security Operative
- Fire Safety Awareness
- Emergency Procedures
Once you have completed the introductory training, make sure to check out the guide on free SIA training mock tests.
NOTE: THIS IS NOT A FULL SIA TRAINING COURSE, AND YOU CAN NOT USE THIS COURSE TO APPLY FOR AN SIA LICENCE.
How To Get Free SIA Training
To become a security operative, you will need to hold a valid SIA licence, and to get your SIA badge, you will need to attend a licence-linked course.
Unlike a university degree, where you study for 3 years, an SIA licence will allow you to complete your course and apply for a licence within a few weeks and secure a job that lets you earn £22,000 to £42,000 annually, depending on your location.
However, the SIA licence costs £184, and that’s just for the licence. The course itself typically costs £190-£2,000 depending on the qualification (security guard, door supervisor, CCTV, or close protection). You’ll also need a mandatory Level 3 First Aid qualification, which adds another £50-£150. The total investment ranges from approximately £424 to £2,334. So, how can you complete this course for free or at least partially funded? Is it even possible?
Yes, it is.
Sector-Based Work Academies (SWAP)
The Sector-Based Work Academies Programme (SWAP) is a government-funded scheme that combines pre-employment training, work experience, and a guaranteed job interview. The programme lasts up to six weeks and is fully funded—you pay nothing. SWAP is available to all job seekers aged 18+ receiving unemployment benefits. Speak to your Work Coach at Jobcentre Plus to find out if there’s a SWAP programme running in your area for SIA training.
The Job Centre may fund your SIA licence training, but this is by no means a certainty. Eligibility depends on your circumstances and is at your Work Coach’s discretion. If you’re claiming Universal Credit and can demonstrate that SIA training will improve your employment prospects, your Work Coach may approve funding under the 16-week training rule. And as the total cost of your SIA licence is less than £500, if you can find a job, any job and save the money up, it is easier than waiting for the government to pick up the tab.
Your council may run a similar scheme, so it is worth writing to them, checking out their website or just popping by your library. You may find that they have got a free SIA course in London or a nearby area, or perhaps an interest-free career development loan.
Apprenticeships
The Professional Security Operative Apprenticeship was introduced in 2023 and covers roles like security guard and door supervisor. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom learning, and the employer covers the cost. If you’re under 25 or looking for a career change, search for security apprenticeships on Find an Apprenticeship. You’ll earn whilst you learn, with salaries typically starting around £20,000+.
Employers
Some companies will pay for your SIA training course, and then you can repay them a fixed amount out of your wage packet each month. Of course, this is a loan, and if you want to leave early, you will have to pay it back. Not to mention, some employers will charge you interest on your loan.
But a tenner a month isn’t a fortune, so you may well feel like you have got it free. And when it is all paid off, it will feel like a pay rise.
Also, remember that not having a licence will make you a less attractive proposition than a candidate with a licence. So if you are going for a job and expecting your employer to invest £500 in training you, make sure you look and sound like a good investment.
Which SIA Course Should You Choose?
Different SIA roles have different training costs and funding availability:
- Free security guard training: Most accessible entry point, funding options available
- Free door supervisor training: High demand in nightlife and events, funding options available
- Free CCTV operator training: Indoor, technology-focused work, funding options available
- Free close protection training: Elite qualification, limited funding
Invest in Your Future with Our SIA Training Courses
If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a door supervisor, security guard or CCTV operator, you need to complete an SIA training course and get your SIA badge.
While there are some ways to access free or funded SIA training, this largely depends on the evolving policy updates of funding institutions. Thus, even though there are possibilites of getting your training funded, you may still have to pay for your course. That said, security work is in high demand in the UK, and investing in an SIA course is a smart idea if you think lomg-term. In just a few weeks, you’ll be able to recoup the training costs and as you continue working in the private security industry, you’re likely to get more high-paying opportunities.
If a career in security is what you want, it’s worth the investment!
FAQs
Some platforms offer free online SIA courses with a certificate for awareness only, but full SIA licence training must be completed in person.
Search for “free SIA training near me” online or browse through our locations to select a training centre near you. Availability varies by region and funding.
Yes, free SIA training for unemployed individuals is available through government schemes and employability programmes in certain areas.
Yes, you can find free security courses through local councils, training providers, or employment support schemes. These may include SIA licence training if funding is available.
Looking For Jobs?
To find the latest security jobs, check out our security job board, which has 1,000+ jobs from the UK’s best security companies.
If you’re on the hunt for a security job on the go, download the GuardPass app for all the latest jobs and more. The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.
Explore our SIA security courses, and get started today!
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
