Whether it’s due to a negative perception, or simply a lack of awareness about what it can offer, too few young people want to embark upon a career in the security industry.
This is despite great advances in professionalizing the industry, and the development of qualifications, certifications, and accreditation that have made it possible for individuals with the requisite drive and enthusiasm to develop a successful, and potentially lucrative, career.
This situation is all the more surprising in light of the worryingly high number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Latest government figures state that there are 1.09 million young people aged 16-24 in the UK who are classed as NEETs, which in percentage terms equates to 15.1% of all those in this age group. Just over half (53.6%) of all NEETs are looking for work, and therefore classified as unemployed.
While there are numerous reasons for this situation, it would be interesting to know just how many NEETs have considered joining the security industry.
What’s more, among those who are not NEETs, was security ever presented as a career option while they were in full time education? It’s fair to assume that it probably wasn’t.
According to the government’s Directgov website, the security industry currently employs around half a million people in the UK. As one of the fastest growing service sectors, it offers flexibility, variety, and a level of career progression that few others can boast.
Many of today’s security companies are dedicated to providing training, qualifications, and a clearly defined career path, all of which are designed to appeal to a wide range of individuals.
Positions include “front line” security officer-based roles such as door supervisors, commissionaires, and security guards. However, a variety of middle and senior management positions also exist, for example: duty managers, contracts managers, regional operation managers, and regional directors.
At the higher level, security managers, fraud investigators, cybercrime and technical experts, and security consultants are all in demand.
However, while these are all attractive roles that can suit people of differing abilities, the industry still suffers from an image problem, and the general public perceives that public security personnel tend to be male, muscular, and macho, with a background in the military or police force.
Reality is that the modern security sector comprises people from a variety of ethnic, racial, religious, and gender backgrounds.
Despite there still not being enough, more women are joining the industry and displaying the tenacity, determination, and ability to succeed in what is still a male dominated sector. Women who stay in the industry and make it their career are increasingly seen as valuable business assets to their employers.
Customers can see the benefits of a more gender-balanced workforce, and in some instances, there are specific places where only women are required to work.
Some forward-thinking companies have long recognized that offering a clearly defined career path, with continuing professional development (CPD), is the only way to attract the attention of young people.
With the costs associated with higher education becoming prohibitive, apprenticeships are becoming popular. According to research from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), over 80% of employers who take on apprentices find that they make their workplace more productive and customers are more likely to work with a company that invests in young people.
That said, it appears that the demographics for the security industry show an aging workforce, and more needs to be done to balance the profile more in favor of younger people wishing to establish a career.
Great strides have been made to make security management a profession that is on a par with well-established, recognized, and respected disciplines such as law, education, medicine, accountancy, and engineering. Take, for instance, The Register of Chartered Security Professionals.
Created in 2011, it demonstrates to clients, employers, peers, and the public an ability to perform to the highest standards, with those applying having to go through a rigorous assessment process.
While all of this is undoubtedly good news, the aforementioned misconceptions about the security sector prevail, and have undoubtedly deterred some young people from even considering it as a career.
Slightly concerning is that the industry — and that includes its trade bodies and associations — has not done enough to challenge these per-conceived ideas and promote itself as a vibrant, interesting, and positive place to work.
Even though organizations are seemingly aware of the need to do more to attract young people — the ASIS Young Professionals Group is particularly noteworthy and welcome, as is the apprenticeship program operated by Skills for Security — they are still just a drop in the ocean.
Trade bodies and associations like The Security Institute, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) play a vital role in providing training and qualifications, developing standards, writing reference materials, and promoting best-practices — issues that affect us all. However, companies need to work with them to promote the industry and its positive attributes.
Even though competitors working together might seem like a utopian ideal and nothing short of wishful thinking, it’s worth remembering that this approach works well in other sectors.
For example, the Facilities Management Association (FMA) has experienced considerable levels of success in representing the interests of its members due, in no small part, to the willingness of its members to put aside their business rivalries to ensure the future success of their industry.
When making their career choices, the security industry is not even on the radar of most graduates. This needs to change, and doing so requires all industry stakeholders to join together to promote a clear and consistent message about the opportunities that it offers.
If we are to all benefit from a steady influx of high caliber individuals entering the industry, this must be addressed — now.
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With regard to the above, the problem with the security industry is its perceived image. There are many excellent Security Organisations out there, as I well know, as I was responsible for Site Safety and Security before retirement. Many opportunities exist, and I read the article with a wry smile. Graduates? Take a security job? Let me explain. We had “Regular” security, supplied by a well known national security organisation. The sites covered were high profile 24/7 operations, which had a need for intelligent able and conscientious individuals. I was called out more than once to an “uncovered incident” at… Read more »
These Server based solutions and infrastructures are begging for IT trained personnel. Windows based applications, Switch |Router configurations, Storage that is now going to the cloud. Mobile and remote access. Around the world, the need for true IT technical people is overwhelming. The pay structure currently maybe the biggest differencial. Yet, we are talking about opportunity here and one’s ability to see the future. Not just today, which most have embedded in their approach to the job market. IT firms are now taking advantage of this opportunity. They already control the Security aspects of the Network. IP brings Physical Security… Read more »
It’s true that people still perceive of security people as muscled men with tremendous power and guns in hand. It’s ridiculous though because we have come far from that and security has become more of a technical thing than physical surveillance by men. Detectors, sensors, security cameras and other such tools have changed the dynamics of security completely.
@ Lankylad, these are very insightful thoughts. Image of security jobs as tidy and responsible ones is kind of scary for casual youth. Working in shifts and need to cover weekends are other turn offs for young graduates. It takes time to generate sense of responsibility and vigilance needed for security related jobs and getting used to working in shifts.