Security Jobs in Scotland

Many people working in security jobs in Scotland are ex-forces (armed services or police) and they often bring high level skills and practical experience to the industry. Demand for security-cleared candidates is on the increase, according to security cleared professionals. Despite cuts to defence and government budgets there remains a high need for candidates in these sectors and within private companies.

The sector employs 2,000 people and has sales of over £200 million. The security and resilience sector in Scotland has over 100 capable companies with products, services and applications in areas a diverse as cyber security to surveillance and business continuity to biometrics.

Scotland has particular strengths in intelligence, communications and data analysis. UK expenditure on IT security products and services grew by an estimated 13.7 percent in 2008 to £3.12 billion.

The demand for security products and services has never been greater, driven by factors such as threats to mass transportation systems and to major sporting events, such as the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which fuel demand for services.

The UK Government Security and Defence Spending Review highlighted the importance of protecting digital systems and data networks through cyber security and the need for intelligence management to understand possible threats.

Regulation is a key consideration in the security sector. The private security industry is ‘regulated’ under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Regulation for certain sub-sectors has been in place in Englandand Wales since April 2004, in Scotland since November 2007 and it was extended to Northern Ireland in2009. Licensable activities are currently restricted to people aged 18 or over.

The positions available within a security environment could be;

• Biometric security
• Bodyguard
• Cash and valuables in transit
• CCTV operation
• Close Protection
• Community wardens
• Commissionaire
• Control Room
• Cyber Security
• Emergency Services
• Event Security
• Intelligence and Information Management
• Key Holding and Alarm Response
• Port Security (Air and Sea)
• Private Bailiffs
• Private Investigation
• Retail Security
• Security Consultant
• Security Dog Handler
• Security Guard
• Security Manager
• Security Officer
• Security Staff
• Transport Security

There are also a number of other key issues and priorities for the sector that have been considered namely;

• the expansion of UK security sector regulation

• the needs of 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and 2014 Commonwealth Games

• ‘integrated’ (private and public) security learning provision

• credit based qualification frameworks

• National Occupational Standards

Anyone looking to work in this industry sector in Scotland can gain a qualification via these routes;

• Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ)

• Certificate/Degree/Diploma/Masters qualifications

• Professional Development Awards (PDA)

• National Qualifications

• Higher National Certificates (HNC)

• Licence-linked qualifications (National Progression Awards)

• Apprenticeships

• Training and Development (in-house or delivered by FE, HE or private training providers)

Scottish Jobs On The Net work closely with employers and agencies in the Security sector. If you are interested in this industry sector, please ensure you speak to qualified, recognised employers or specialist agencies who can advise accordingly. Bookmark this page and visit regularly to ensure you are kept up-to-date with the latest vacancies in Scotland.