Security is an ever-present part of our everyday lives and has become a multi-billion- dollar industry that offers a wide range of career paths. It’s a dynamic industry where no two days are the same.

According to the Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL), there has been a widespread uptake of security services around the world, in both the private and government sectors. Undertaking security courses will prepare you for an exciting, evolving and active career.

What Careers Are Available in Security?

For those that work in the security industry in Australia, your primary tasks will involve keeping the public safe. As a graduate of a security course, there are a wide variety of career opportunities that you might progress into, falling under three broad service areas:

  • Electronic Security
  • Guarding Security
  • Physical or Barrier Security

The industry also covers more specialist areas such as investigations, risk management and training. The use of private security in law enforcement and crime prevention has grown so much in Australia that security personnel now outnumber police by more than two to one.

Security Career Outcomes

• Security Guards
• Customs/Border Protection Officer
• Systems Security Analyst
• Defence Intelligence Officer
• Security Manager
• Security Risk Analyst
• Security Service Monitoring
• Fencing Patrol
• Private Detective
• Burglary Protection Services
• Counter-Terrorism Officer
• Fraud Officer

What is the Australian Security Industry Like?

Despite a declining crime rate in Australia, ABS data shows employment in the security industry has grown by 29% in the past five years. IBISWorld predicts the security industry to further grow in 2016/17 as households and businesses continue to invest in crime-prevention measures.

As electronic surveillance and monitoring become more advanced, demand for security services is rising, particularly in the area of cyber-crime.

Between 2014 and 2015, approximately $6.3 billion was spent on security services, according to the Construction and Property Services Skills Council. Mobile guards and patrol services, and private investigator services, accounted for almost half of this spending, with security system monitoring systems, cash-in-transit and armoured guard services, crowd control, secure document handling and other security services making up the other half of the spending. This shows the breadth and variation of jobs in the industry.
There are over 5,000 security and investigative businesses registered in Australia, and over 110,000 security licenses issued to individuals.

Offices, retail and other large corporate sectors are the largest market for investigation and security services, with Victoria, NSW and Queensland employing the largest number of security personnel. High employment growth is predicted by 2020, with an expected 60,000 additional workers to be employed.

An average annual salary in the security industry is $54,000, although workers with more experience or those willing to work weekends and nights can earn up to $65 an hour.

Security Courses Online and in Australia

Security courses range from teaching basic security and crowd control, including airport security and border control, to complex cyber security and counter-terrorism.

Certificate

A certificate in security can give you the skills and knowledge to work as a security officer in unarmed crowd control. A popular course, such as the Certificate II in Security Operations will teach a combination of theoretical and practical training in defence techniques, legislation, reporting, restraint techniques and first aid. Most training providers will require students to be at least 18 years of age, have no recorded or qualifying offence within the past 10 years and be able to pass a language and numeracy test.

There’s also the Certificate III level security course, which provides a more in-depth analysis and practice of security theories and concepts. It provides students with more specialised security functions or management and supervisory roles. Students will be trained in regulations, operational procedures of the de-escalation of violence, communication and defensive tactics, as well as and baton and handcuff use and cash in transit security.

Advanced Diploma

An Advanced Diploma course, such as an Advanced Diploma of Network Security, will help you develop the skills needed to start your career in security. It gives a comprehensive understanding of the industrial and social environments of internet connectivity, critical network security issues, security encryption technologies, security compliance and how to design and implement a security perimeter.

Bachelor Degree

An undergraduate course, such as the Bachelor of Security Studies or the Bachelor of Cyber Security, will provide you with the skills and knowledge to respond to complex and dynamic security challenges. It will deliver a solid foundation of practical, analytical and technical skills to deal with real-world security issues.

Postgraduate Courses

Postgraduate security courses such as the Master of Cyber Security, equip students with in-depth knowledge in a specialised security area. These courses are designed to enable students to understand issues related to traditional and contemporary security challenges in both a domestic and international environment. To be eligible for admission most universities will require students to have completed a bachelor degree and sometimes particular work or professional experience.

Is a Career in Security Right for You?

To work in the security industry, it’s important you’re honest and committed, as your primary role will be to ensure the protection of people. This means you must be careful in every aspect of your job to avoid negligence and be able to communicate and interact with a variety of people.

Rational thinking and problem-solving are also important skills for those working in the security industry, as you will be exposed to challenges, threats and stressful situations.

Working in security may involve unusual work hours so being flexible and adaptable is crucial. If this sounds like you, then sign up for a security course today to kick start an exciting and interesting career.