Walk down any street in Sydney and you'll see security guards standing tall, manning entrances and managing crowds of people. They're one of the main fixtures of Sydney's night life and provide an invaluable service that benefits businesses and the community. Security guards are an important factor in ensuring that businesses are able to operate safely, the risk of harm is minimised for patrons and the public, relevant rules and regulations are upheld, and the peace is maintained. Becoming a security guard is often an attractive option due to its dynamic nature (no two days are ever the same), the flexibility of the work, the chance to meet new people and expand your network, and so on.
So, how exactly do you go about joining this exciting industry and gaining employment as a security guard in NSW?
Training Courses
To become a security guard, you must undergo a security training course to meet the requirements of the NSW Security Licence. These security guard training courses cover all the necessary elements to prepare you for the role, such as basic legal, OH&S and operational knowledge. The security training course is designed to provide you with a theoretical framework to help you be a more effective security guard in the field. The training course that you choose will depend on the kind of security work you wish to do.
Some training providers also bundle their security training courses with other relevant qualifications, such as first aid training, RSA and RCG certification. These additional qualifications may help to expand the job opportunities available to you and improve your employability. This is dependent on the specific requirements of each employer.
It is important to make sure that the institution that you receive your training from is listed as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This means that the institution meets the necessary requirements and has been approved by the Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED), which is the licensing regulator of NSW.
The following is a list of a few SLED approved RTO's in NSW:
- Vigil Training College
- Allies Security
- St. Moses Security
- SkillNet Australia
Eligibility Criteria For a NSW Security Licence
In order to be eligible for a NSW Security Licence, it is important that you meet the following requirements outlined by the NSW Police:
- be at least 18 years old
- be a fit and proper person to hold the desired category of licence
- have completed any necessary training
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- have a driver licence, photo card or customer number supplied by the NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
You will be denied a NSW Security Licence for the following reasons:
- If you have been found guilty of a prescribed offence or have had a prescribed civil penalty imposed against you
- If you have been removed or dismissed from the NSW Police Force or any other jurisdiction (including overseas)
- If you have been involved with corruption
For the full eligibility criteria and disqualifying factors of a NSW Security Licence, click here.
Licensing
Once you meet the requirements and have completed the necessary training course, you will be able to acquire a NSW Security Licence.
There are three broad categories of security licence:
1 - Master Licence
A Master licence is applicable to those who employ or subcontract people to do security work. Essentially, a Master licence authorises an individual, company, or government agency to send out individuals to provide security services. Each of these employees must hold either a Class 1 or Class 2 licence.
2 - Class 1 Licence
A Class 1 licence is required for those who carry out physical security activities. Within the Class 1 licence there are the following subclasses:
1A - Unarmed Guard
1B - Bodyguard
1C - Crowd Controller
1D - Guard Dog Handler
1E - Monitoring Centre Operator
1F - Armed Guard
3 - Class 2 Licence
A Class 2 licence applies to those that perform more technical security work. The subclasses of the Class 2 licence include:
2A - Security Consultant
2B - Security Seller
2C - Security Equipment Specialist
2D - Security Trainer
Click here for a list of the fees associated with acquiring a NSW Security Licence.
It is important to note that each state and territory differs in terms of the requirements and licensing needed to gain employment as a security guard. Click here for more information about the variations in licensing requirements across Australia.
Are you an employer looking to hire a quality security guard or a qualified security worker looking for a job opportunity, contact Workfast today! Visit our website or call 1300 824 403.