Security Officer (VIC)

Education and Training:

To become a security officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in security. Applicants may be required to undergo a pretraining criminal record check and/or attend an interview. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information.

You can also become a security officer through a traineeship in Security Operations or Security and Risk Management. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

On completion of this training, you can apply for a licence from the Victoria Police Licensing Services Division. You must be over 18 and have a police clearance.

Additional Information:

People involved in security work usually need a drivers licence.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

The Australian Federal Police Protective Services (AFPPS) conducts recruitment campaigns on a regional basis as required. Positions are advertised in major state or territory newspapers. Protective service officers undergo an intensive 13-week training course in Canberra followed by a 6-month on-the-job training period. Air marshals also undergo intensive air security training in Canberra, which can take up to 13 weeks.

Security officers are employed by private security firms, banks, large department stores, industrial and commercial organisations and property companies that own office blocks and hotels.

Employers generally require people with a mature attitude for this occupation due to the responsibilities involved. In recent years there has been growth in the number of security officers employed and this is expected to continue.

Security officers may be promoted to supervisory or managerial positions or to central control duties, checking that visits or patrols have been undertaken. Opportunities for promotion are generally better with larger organisations, although it is possible to move from a small employer to a more senior position with another firm.