The surprising industry crying out for females
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If I asked you to think of a security guard, chances are the person that comes to mind is tall, with a stocky build and possibly a daunting demeanour.
It’s likely you pictured a bouncer outside of a nightclub. And I’d almost bet my house that the person you thought of is a male.
But believe it or not, the security industry is crying out for female guards.
In a time when many industries are shrinking, security is an area that continues to boom. And Rod Wark, CEO of Australian Security Education & Consulting (ASEC) in Mitchell who provides training for security guards, says that more and more companies are specifically asking for females.
“Females tend to have a higher attention to detail and situational awareness, which is so important when working in a security role,” says Rod.
“Females are also very welcome in the industry because they often present with a calmer demeanour and are more likely to deescalate a situation when there are people who are agitated or upset. And retention rates with females tend to be much higher too.”
Roles in security can be extremely varied, from customer service roles in government buildings to working at the embassies, events, hospitals, shopping centres, or airports.
“The work is not necessarily going to be a physical job. If you’re located at the front desk of a government building, for example, your role would be as a concierge checking passes and that sort of work,” says Rod.
“Or with in-store theft detection, it could be a plain clothes role where you’re just monitoring and looking for suspicious activity, you don’t necessarily have to intervene.”
The nature of the security industry means there is plenty of shift work or part-time and casual hours available, and Rod says this is a factor that appeals to many of their female students, whether they’re stay-at-home mums, studying, have taken a voluntary redundancy or are just looking for extra casual work.
ASEC graduate Julianne Major worked in finance for more than a decade when she decided to train as a security guard. Self-employed as a mortgage broker, she was looking for a second job with flexible hours that wouldn’t interrupt her main business.
After completing her studies at ASEC and getting her license, Julianne was offered a job almost immediately with a security company. She worked in a variety of roles including security at a supermarket while waiting for her security clearance, and now works as a security supervisor for the Department of Defence.
“The industry has changed a lot from the security guards being perceived as big muscular meatheads blocking access, to more of a communication and customer service role. You do need to negotiate and explain why something can’t happen, which is a lot of the role,” she says.
“While it’s a male-dominated industry, you are always safe. They do not put you in any situations that would risk your safety and they’re very conscious of that for all staff, male or female.”
Fellow ASEC graduate Melita Wilson was also attracted to working in security for its flexible hours. Currently, in her second year of a Bachelor of International Security at university, she also got her security license as a way to earn money in a casual job. She was also quick to find work, and has been working as a security guard at a range of events.
“As a casual you can choose the hours you want and the company I’m with understands that I’m a uni student and they’re really supportive of that and make sure the work I’m doing isn’t interfering with my studies,” she says.
“As a female working in security, I’ve never felt in danger. All the teams I’ve worked with are really good. As a security officer your team always has your back and you’ve always got a radio on to contact them.”
The Certificate II in Security Operations is the entry-level qualification to become a security officer. To study you must be over 18 and have good language, reading and writing skills. As part of getting your security license you also need to complete an AFP name and fingerprint check.
Training is held at ASEC’s modern, purpose-built facility in Mitchell, and includes both theory and ample hands-on activities and scenario training, plus first aid training.
You can obtain an ACT Security Employee Licence in as little as five weeks, with both a full-time study option or night classes run outside of standard business hours.
the essentials
What: Australian Security Education & Consulting (ASEC)
Where: 118 Lysaght Street, Mitchell
Offer: ASEC is offering Her Canberra readers a 10% discount on course fees for the Certificate II in Security Operations, and get a free specialised security notebook.
For more information see asec.com.au or phone (02) 6134 6631.
This editorial was created in partnership with Australian Security Education & Consulting. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
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