The chances of a civvy making it in CP

[kevo66]

Hi all, a new user.

Currently working in CVIT have done for a few years now. My cousin has just left the RAF Reg and is thinking of persuing a carrer in CP. We were discussing it over a beer and as its something I had always been interested in I thought I would do some research.

Im guessing that even if I do attend and pass a CP course I would be overlooked by alot of the employers for not having a forces background, I doubt my CVIT would count for much at all. Is it possible for me to make it would you say? I know I have the drive and determination and Im switched on, but Im wondering if that will end up counting for nothing!

thanks,
K

[craig875]

you may find it difficult but its well worth a try mate, you may get lucky

[kevo66]

I was thinking the same mate, but the 3-4k for the course is alot for the average working man like myself. Sure I could find it from my ever so willing bank but Its alot to lay out on the off-chance. I have no problems with putting the graft in to get there, its just a case of if I ever would?! Im presuming a CP course alone wont stand me in good stead and I would need to attend more courses???

[sunray71]

Welcome to the forum mate, currently the market is swamped and the UK is mostly seasonal stuff very bitty, the hardest thing is getting your first job and unfortunatly there are alot of experienced and good operators who are out of work at present, So the best thing you can do is research all avenues and weigh up the pro's and con's to see if it is worth persuing

[kevo66]

Thanks mate, yeah I have been reading that the 1st is the hardest!

I dont mind working away TBH thats not a problem!

[morrigan]

Kevo66

Hello and welcome to the site.

First off let me echo the comments made already.... yes it is tough...... but what isnt!!? The market is saturated but a lot of people in our experience (no disrespect meant to anyone) seem to expect to finish their course and be guaranteed of work after it (i know thats not your line).

Yes..... i represent a training provider but thats not the point of my tuppence worth. I have a friend who recently finished his University studies to be a Doctor. Its taken him years....... a whole lot more money than even the most expensive CP course...of course his training has not even realy begun yet.... it will cost more time and money and he will have to enter a market which is disillusioned and over worked and he has no more a guarantee of work than we do.

My point?? Very few people have the opportunity to learn in such a short time, skills that can potentially gain them exciting, self satisfying and rewarding work which allows them to travel, work in an environment which is extremely close knit and allows them to choose so many different directions.

If you are looking to work in the UK predominantly then yes, it will be extremely difficult to get regular work. If you are prepared to travel and are not too fussed about where you are going to be one month to the next, there is work..... good work and interesting work, but you have to be good at what you do. Its that simple.....

[kevo66]

Hi, thanks for that mate. Pretty nicely summed up there! Like you say, I am not expecting to finish the course(es) and someone hand me a gift wrapped job, would be nice, but I live in the real world!

What, realisticly am I looking at doing before Im employable? Im thinking that just a staright CP course wont cut it?!

I have my CVIT sia which will mean jack, so I would have to apply for a CP SIA, also. Im unsure of the process for this as my current company did it all for me.

[Regal Security Training Ltd]

Kevo,
Hi mate welcome, and just push on, there is no reason why a "Civvie" Cannot make it in the CP world, ok the military lads have an headstart as they are some employers pre-requisit, take no notice just aplly anyway! There is a lot a operative who is genericaly civilian can bring to the table. if this is your career of choice just do it, you have the ability to be just as good if not better.

My Boy is 19 and now on his CPO course, he can only grow and gain an incemountable knowledge,
so get your self qualified, there are are some level headed experienced Guys and women on here. im sure your own inteligence will sort out the pooh!!

Good luck

Brummie

[morrigan]

Step One: (and the one many people don't take) Ask yourself honestly what it is you are prepared to do work wise. Analise your current abilities honestly and consider what you need to improve upon. Be realistic about what you can and cant/don't want to do.....where you are and are not prepared to go and then decide what (if any) additional training you need.

Consider that you might have to attend more than one course and factor the cost and value of that. For example if you want to be able to take work abroad do you need to take up a firearms course/advanced medics/driving. Then see whether you can get all of that in one place or not.


Step Two: find yourself a good CP course. All cover the basic and core competencies and of course, if you are looking at work in the UK, it has to be sia compliant. But there are some that go further than the basics, some that are run by companies who may well employ you if you prove your worth and perform well, although none will guarantee that!! Ourselves included!!


Frankly it frustrates me how many times we are asked to indicate the chances of our offering work to a candidate before he/she has done the course. How can we? How can any company. They may have great personalities but bad skills or visa versa, or they may not be willing to take the less attractive jobs.


Companies in this industry are like any other in my experience...... if they see potential in a person, or the appropriate skills or/and the right attitude and if they have work available (some purport that they do but actually don't) then why wouldn't they take that person on!! but not until they see how they perform.

Recently (on this site and others) the question of how valuable the training by a 'reputable' company is over that offered by a less well known company is as far as gaining work is concerned, has been raised. The jury is still out. Is a Prada or Gucci label better quality than another label. Not necessarily in my opinion. Therefore its important to do thorough research on the company you choose.

My advise?!! make up a shortlist of those with the right syllabus for you. Then get some advise from those in the industry. (this site is better than most ive seen) contact the companies, ask lots of questions (good questions) and then make your choice.

We are all of us reliant and dependent on our own common sense at the end of the day. the point is to arm yourself with information and then be better equipped to make an informed and considered decision.

[kevo66]

Brummie, Morrigan, thanks agian.

I have just had a look at the sia requirements for CP so I now know the crack with that. I presume there are training providers that can assist with that also?!

Ref the firearms, I was thinking I would need that, obviously that will need to be done outside of the UK. Any good or favoured providers for this?

Sorry for all the questions, but if you dont ask you dont get!!