Industry Guide

-18% YoY

Security Careers for Young People

Security protects people, places, events and businesses. Roles can include frontline guarding, control rooms, CCTV, events, retail security, site safety, incident reporting, operations, compliance and specialist security routes.

Security suits people who are steady, switched-on, and good at reading situations. You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room — you just need to be reliable and willing to learn.

Calm under pressure: If you can keep a level head when things get stressful, that’s a huge strength.
Observant people: Noticing small details (what’s “normal” and what’s not) matters.
Confident communicators: You don’t need to be chatty — just clear, respectful, and able to set boundaries.
Rule-followers with good judgement: Security is about procedures, but also knowing when to escalate.

Open Budi

Salary range

£22,000 – £45,000

Role types

3 to explore

Trade association

Security Industry Authority →

Industry overview

Working in security is about more than standing at a door. It’s about keeping people safe, staying calm under pressure, and being someone others can rely on. From events and venues to retail, offices, transport, and digital security, this industry has a wide range of roles for young people who want practical work, clear routines, and a job where you can make a real difference.

If you’re looking for a career that values responsibility, awareness, and confidence-building, security could be a strong fit — even if you’re not sure where to start yet.

Strengths that thrive in Security

BraveSelf-ControllerCareful PlannerClear ThinkerTeam PlayerLeaderFair Player

Bonus strengths

Extra strengths that give you an edge in Security.

Straight-Up

Who works in this industry

Women48%

Men52%

2.3pp from a 50/50 balanceNear parity

Growth and hiring

-18% vacancies year on year47k recent vacancies

Vacancies appear to be lower year on year (around -18%). That is roughly 10k fewer vacancies than the comparison period. The latest vacancy estimate is still about 47k. A dip does not mean there are no jobs — it usually means being more targeted about applications, training and local opportunities.

Opportunities & challenges

Opportunities

Opportunities include licensed security
events
retail
CCTV
control rooms
site safety
operations and compliance. SIA requirements are worth understanding early.

Challenges to navigate

Things to be aware of: shift work
conflict and high responsibility can be part of the job. Professional behaviour
de-escalation and licensing requirements matter.

Traits employers value

CommunicationAttention to DetailResponsibleHelpful skills include situational awarenessde-escalationincident reportingconflict managementhelping customers and basic it (logs/cctv systems). You do not need to be perfect at all of them straight away — these are strengths you can build through projectsvolunteeringpart-time workcoursesapprenticeships or simply practising.

What the work feels like

🌍 Working outdoors or with animals🛠️ Doing practical hands-on work🚀 Being in a fast-paced energetic environment

How to get started

Not sure where to begin? Start with a strengths-first quiz to see which security roles match how you work best — then explore local entry routes like trainee roles, event security, or site-based positions.

Many roles require an SIA licence (Security Industry Authority). Don’t worry — lots of employers support you through the process, and it can be a clear, practical step into paid work.

Interview tips

Show reliability
calmness and professionalism. Prepare an example of staying calm
following rules or dealing with a difficult situation respectfully. Mention punctuality
observation skills and accurate reporting. If the role needs an SIA licence
show that you understand the requirement and take responsibility seriously.

Role types in Security

The Protector The Organiser The Leader

Explore all role types →

Security industry: key insights

Growth Potential: Security is consistently in demand — especially across events, retail, logistics, and public spaces. As technology grows (CCTV, access control, cyber awareness), there are also more pathways into specialist roles.

Opportunities in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk (E/H/S): With busy town centres, retail parks, transport links, warehouses, events, and local businesses, there are lots of entry-level routes nearby — including flexible shifts that can work around study or other commitments.

Earning Potential: Entry-level security roles often start around £20,000–£26,000 (or hourly shift rates), with experienced officers, supervisors, and specialist roles earning £28,000–£40,000+ depending on the setting and qualifications.

Explore more about security

Dig deeper into security with our dedicated pages:

Emerging Trends: Tech-enabled security, body-worn cameras, access control, cyber awareness.
Skills Needed: Communication, awareness, conflict de-escalation, teamwork, professionalism.
Roles & Career Paths: From event security and retail security to control room operator, mobile patrol, and supervisor roles.
Interview Prep: How to show reliability, judgement, and calm decision-making.
Expert Insights: Hear from local security teams about what the job is really like.
Tools & Resources: SIA guidance, training routes, and starter checklists.

Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/datasets/employmentbyindustryemp13 (Jul–Sep 2025)