As demand for close protection jobs grows, now is a great time to sign up for a close protection course. UK government statistics show that the number of SIA licence holders is increasing yearly. For example, in February 2023, there were 109,179 SIA licence holders in London. This figure has already risen to 117,572 in February 2024. However, finding the right training course to secure a job in the industry is crucial.
You might be a complete newbie and want to do a close protection course from scratch. Or you could have hands-on experience but need to complete a close protection top-up course. Whatever course you want to do, finding one that boosts your chances of employment is essential. Finding the right training course to be a certified SIA close protection officer (CPO) can make a real difference in your career.
In this article, Blue Mountain Group covers all the areas you must consider before signing up. Learn more about selecting the right training course so you can enjoy a successful security career and get noticed by employers.
Building a Strong Foundation
A strong foundation in the security industry is critical. Indeed, before starting any career, you need to scan the training market. Courses with professional companies can showcase your credentials and attract better security positions. Remember, future employers will assess the security training you have completed.
As a security training company, Blue Mountain Group has been training for over 25 years. Many of us have worked or are still working as CPOs. We understand what employers are looking for when they are looking for recruits. We focus on these areas:
- Our courses are enjoyable, so you can learn everything about being a CPO. We’re not ticking training boxes and pushing you through training. We make every effort to ensure you are ready for action from day one on the job.
- We give valuable security training insights to help you learn more. Our strong 25-year foundation helps us do that. It also gives your CV credibility in the marketplace when employers see our company name.
- We work collaboratively with trainees throughout all our courses. These close connections help to create a deeper understanding of close protection. Sometimes, there are also job opportunities to work with us as well!
Types of Close Protection Courses
If you want to work in the UK in close protection security roles. The law stipulates that you must gain training in two SIA close protection courses.
The first course is for people without experience in the security industry. This training is the complete Close Protection Course. It covers everything you must know to work effectively as a CPO.
The second course is a Close Protection Top-Up Course. This top-up course is for people who are already working in the industry. It is for somebody who previously had an SIA licence and needs to renew it.
NB It’s important to note that the SIA close protection qualification is at the top end of security training. A security guard or door supervisor cannot do close protection roles without an SIA close protection licence.
Duration and Intensity of Close Protection Courses
Our close protection courses are intense but in a good way! We ensure you receive hands-on experience that will give you a critical edge when doing the job for real.
- The Close Protection Top-Up Course lasts for three days.
- The complete Close Protection Course from scratch lasts for 18 days.
Before anybody does any close protection full course or a top-up course, people must have a medical qualification. This qualification is also a requirement by law and, at a minimum, should be the First Aid at Work Level 3 course. You can complete this in only two days at Blue Mountain Group.
There is also a five-day medical course for people who need more detailed medical knowledge. It is called the Emergency Care First Responders (ECFR) course. Gaining this qualification can also make your CV more attractive to security employers.
NB You must have 12 months left on your First Aid qualification before starting any course.
Benefit From Practical Skills and Scenario Training
We like to break our training up into bite-sized chunks, so it is easier to learn. In our experience over the years, learning practical skills and using scenario training are helpful training tools. It also gives trainees more confidence when starting their first close protection security job.
Our scenario training is looked on very favourably by employers. It shows you have the preparation to deal with real-life problems on the first day of your new job. We have extensive open training grounds where we put you through your paces. The practical training covers all areas, including medical emergencies.
- We encourage you to complete reconnaissance missions at local hotels to gather information.
- Give you nighttime tasks to open your mind to potential problems and train you in the best way to handle every situation.
- We conduct regular tests throughout the training to keep you on track to gain your SIA certification.
Networking Opportunities to Boost Your Career
As the saying goes, “Your network is your net worth”. At Blue Mountain Group, we work with ex-military and civilian trainees. There are many opportunities to network with fellow trainees and trainers, sharing knowledge, experience, and ideas. We actively encourage a collaborative spirit during our training sessions.
Many of our trainees still work together as a unit following their training, regardless of whether their background is ex-military or civilian. It’s a true testament to the tight networks we create in our training. We encourage collaboration throughout our company and enjoy building good relationships and rapport in our training sessions.
Access to Guest Speakers and Industry Insights
On top of networking opportunities, we also work with guest speakers who are active CPOs globally. You can ask them questions and discover the pros and cons of being a CPO. Also, some CPOs don’t have military backgrounds and will explain how they worked their way up from door supervision to close protection roles.
Sometimes, we use guest speaker CPOs in our scenarios! If one of our guest speakers is flying into the UK, trainees can experience a close protection mission first-hand. The training group goes to the airport, identifies the principal and brings them to the site. Our training gets you involved, so you learn as much as possible.
Evaluating the Course's Industry Recognition
Finally, you need to evaluate industry recognition for the close protection course you want to do. You need the reassurance that the course you do will give you the proper qualifications. Highfield, an award-winning leader for qualifications, accredits all the courses at Blue Mountain Group.
Next Steps
We are passionate about security training and helping you become a successful CPO in the industry. We love it so much that we are still in contact with many of our trainees after they finish their course. Our passion for the security industry becomes your passion as well.
Are you excited about starting a career as a Close Protection Officer? You should be! It's a rewarding role in high demand in the security industry. Contact us today or email Rob at r.gibbons@bluemountaingroup.co.uk. We can’t wait to help you with your close protection training and help you boost your CV!