Sector Spotlight: Jobs in Security

Sector Spotlight: Security

The pandemic has badly affected hiring and employment, and Q2 reported high retrenchment rates for both locals and foreigners across the board. However, some sectors are continuing to grow and employ due to increased demand, including the security, logistics and e-commerce sectors.

The security sector, in particular, is experiencing a manpower shortage. President of the Security Association Singapore, Mr Raj Joshua Thomas, reported that since the pandemic broke out, demand for security officers has increased by around 10%-20% or roughly 5,000 to 10,000 positions, of which the majority are for ancillary roles such as temperature takers and front-line staff.

Interested in working in security? Before you apply, read on.

But first, what does work in the security sector entail?

A security officer licence is required if you are employed to perform any of the following functions:

  • Patrolling or guarding another person’s property (including cash in transit) by physical means (which may involve the use of patrol dogs) or by electronic means;
  • Keeping the property (including cash in transit) of another person under surveillance, including for the purpose of preventing theft thereof;
  • Acting as a bodyguard or bouncer;
  • Performing any function of screening individuals, as part of your regular duties, seeking entry into any public place or other premises; and
  • Regulating traffic under the Road Traffic Act (Cap. 276).

What is the typical salary in the sector?

And in keeping with the increase in demand, the salaries on offer have also increased. An advertisement posted online, for security officers in “green zone” dormitories – those cleared of Covid-19 – offered a gross monthly salary of $3,200. Advertisements have listed salaries of $2,700/month for new officers, and up to $3,200/month for supervisors.

Under the Progressive Wage Model, security officers of the lowest rank must be paid a basic salary of at least $1,250 a month. This increases to at least $1,820 a month for a senior security supervisor.

What are the qualifications needed for a career in this sector?

For those without prior qualifications, you need to get security clearance by Police Licensing & Regulatory Department (PLRD) in the form of a security officer license before you can apply for a job as a security guard.

At minimum, you will need to complete three compulsory modules: threat observation (recognise terrorist threats); guard and patrol (provide guard and patrol services); and incident response (handle security incidents and services).

Academically, the sector is very flexible, with most Security Officer jobs only requiring O-Levels at most.

What career opportunities are there in the sector?

Career advancement is protected under the Progressive Wage Model. To advance, a security officer needs to complete required modules as well as have the necessary working experience.

Due to the current surge in demand, companies may be willing to pay for the necessary training and provide a higher base salary.

Source: coursemology.sg

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