VIP BG

As far as guaranteeing work, there is not one training company that offers that. Obviously if you stand out from the rest of the team on a course a trainer (who most are active in the industry) may well remember that and call on you to give you a go. Most training companies do have connections and like with anything, do well and you may get some offers. Do badly then you will be overlooked, harsh I know but that's real life. What would be nice to see more of is a pre selection process, that is something I feel quite strongly about. After all you may think its the job for you but there may be something about your personality / natural skills that would make you highly unemployable. Training companies need to have some responsibility in checking out prospective candidates prior to enrolling them instead of just thinking "bums on seats".

There was one example on the June course which I got involved with and one person even though ex military had neither the presence or the confidence needed. So much so that under a live exercise he froze and panicked to the point where most said they would never work with him as he would not only get himself killed but most likely the others on his team. I actually recommended that he not be put on the course or at the very least recommended that surveillance be a better place for him as he was an intelligent guy and spoke three languages. He wanted to do high risk work and by all accounts got some work in Afghanistan although I do not know how he has faired if that is true.

There were two civvies that actually did rather well, one was ideally suited to the "celebrity" work as his stature and presence was fitting for that role. I guess that shows that you can't go by background alone but more often than not ex military people are far easier to work with and have experience. It does depend also if they are after corporate or high risk work.

What we did offer all candidates was a comprehensive contacts list which originally I had compiled and was updated and cross checked by one of the trainers. At least it gives everyone a chance as well as references as to how we performed on the course and I know that if the trainers had any work that fitted the profile of a candidate that showed promise they would give them a mention. Also the trainer spent time with each of the candidates finding out what they wanted out of the work (it is amazing that some have little or no idea where they want to end up) and suggesting where he thought they were best placed through the strengths and weaknesses shown.

My evaluation when I did my course was simple. Surveillance and particularly electronic surveillance. That was no surprise to me as that is exactly what I wanted and where I already knew my skill set was. I am hardly a BG type person as to be honest it would bore me quickly and physically there are better people out there for that role.

I suppose it is best to look at it like any qualification. Just because you sit an exam it does not mean you will get a job as you walk out the door. Also just because you know the theory does not follow that your practical skills in a real situation make you employable. You could go and sit an IT course and spend a few thousand but you still have to go and secure interviews and get through that to get work. Training places give you a hand but there is a fair amount you have to do yourself.

What is more important than anything is that a training company does not say they will definitely get you work to get you on a course. After all there is no guarantee at the start that you will be good and it is misleading to a person that is about to spend a considerable amount of money to find out if they are.

With all that aside if you feel strongly about doing that type of work and believe in yourself enough then go for it. If its just for the money then look at other careers as they can pay more for less work. Whether you get work out of it I have yet to find out and I will certainly let you know if that does happen but at least I have taken the first step and the experience so far has been valuable.


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AVL

Hi Guys,

I have just read the previous post and could not agree more with the content. Any training company that asks any potential trainee to part with money with the offer of work should be viewed with caution. Currently the marketplace is a tough one too many licensed individuals and not enough work, but unfortunately with the introduction of Government legislation and the necessity of licensing, anyone who can afford to pay for a course has the right to attend and complete one.

Those who do come through the system who are not the caliber 'we' expect are the product of poor training and the industry needs to look at the training provider and the training received. Since the PSIA 2001 was enforced, hundreds of individuals are now selling their services as trainers on the strength of a 7302/7303, but unfortunately this does not make a good trainer and many existing security training companies applied for accreditation for the Kudos, rather than understanding the requirements of the industry.

Prejudice is still rife within the industry and the strong leaning towards ex military/police force backgrounds can be a big hurdle to overcome, but the enforcement has more to do with insurance (companies favour this kind of background before insurance can be secured) that being said, it can be done. I'm from a civilian background although I had security experience at a high level before I became operational. Also it is worth remembering many providers concentrate on the delivery of the SIA core competencies which is the main element, but legislation actually has three elements. Delivery of training, employability skills and skills for specific assignments. For some, not all this is where they 'sell' firearms, and other specialised courses. But beware............. before parting with hard earned cash for any course step back and see if that course will actually enhance employment opportunities and this is where forums and networking can keep you on the right track, ask, and take time to think before signing on the dotted line!!!

Phew.....................I could go on, but I will save the rest for another time.
Anjee

covert munkey

Thanx for your sound advice Anjee.