We, as a company that provides security training, have a responsibility for ensuring that those who take our Close Protection training course can perform their duties.
Today’s training companies are willing to accept any amount of money and teach anyone the basics, before showing them the way. Today’s security industry is filled with people who don’t have any experience or skills. This has had a negative impact on the entire industry. Close Protection used to be a highly specialized industry that could only be cracked with hard work. Now, anyone can take a course for PS1500. My years of experience is meaningless as I have the same license as the Tesco shelf-stacker who wanted to be a bodyguard. He also completed a course and received a license.
What has this done for the industry? Now, the person who just received his license needs some experience. To gain this experience, I’ve seen individuals offer their services for free to companies. Companies see this as a way to increase their profits, so they will gladly provide less-experienced security personnel for tasks that might require a more qualified person. It’s always the client that pays the final bill.
The standard of security industry standards has fallen significantly due to the increased number of people entering every sector of licensing.
It All Starts with the Training Providers
It is possible to do our part in raising the standards of security officers by providing security training. Close Protection is a course I offer, but I choose each person close protection services in London who takes it. I want to be able say that I would work alongside every person who attends my course. It is easy to select someone. We just need to have a casual chat about your career in close protection, your preparations, and some other questions. If I feel that you aren’t ready, I will let you know. While we do give advice on how to prepare, they are free to choose a different training provider. My course is both mentally and physically challenging for those who attend it.
Close Protection workers need to be healthy. They must be able communicate in English. They must be able work independently and be committed to their tasks.
Security Training is a Business
Although there are many security professionals who make a living in the business of security training, unfortunately the introduction of Security Industry Authority (SIA) has had a detrimental effect on the security industry.
Close Protection Training is something you should seriously consider if you want to be successful. Make sure your instructor has had at least some practical experience. Ask questions about training providers on the various security forums. You can search for Close Protection Training to find hundreds of posts. You can find great courses for as little as PS1400 to PS2,000.
Is Selection Really Required?
Two main reasons are the reason I believe so.
1. This raises the number of Close Protection Officers who enter the field.
2. It ensures that everyone on our course is 100% committed to the training, and they know where they are going and what their goals are. They will be under close protection for the duration of our residential course. This ensures that everyone receives the best training possible.
