SIA Licence: Crossing Over to Security Work from Industrial Roles
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence allows you to work in various security roles across the UK. For warehouse, manufacturing, and logistics workers looking to diversify their income or change career direction, security work offers flexible hours, good pay, and steady demand.
Types of SIA Licence
- Door Supervisor — required for working at pubs, clubs, events, and retail premises. The most common and versatile licence
- Security Guard — required for static guarding, mobile patrols, and reception security
- CCTV Operator — required for public space surveillance
- Close Protection — bodyguarding. Requires additional specialist training
- Cash and Valuables in Transit — armoured vehicle and cash handling roles
The Door Supervisor licence is the most popular because it covers the widest range of work, including static guarding roles.
How to Get Your SIA Licence
- Complete an approved training course — the Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors or Security Guards through an SIA-approved provider
- Pass the training assessments — theory exams and practical demonstrations
- Apply for your SIA licence online — at the SIA website. You will need ID, proof of address, and your training certificate
- DBS check — an enhanced criminal record check is part of the application process
- Receive your licence — typically 4-6 weeks after application
Training Course Details
The Door Supervisor course covers:
- Conflict management — de-escalation, communication, and managing aggressive behaviour
- Physical intervention — restraint techniques (last resort only)
- Legal responsibilities — licensing law, arrest powers, use of force
- Emergency procedures — first aid awareness, evacuation
- Drugs and alcohol awareness
- Search procedures
Costs
- Door Supervisor course — £180-£300 (4-6 days)
- Security Guard course — £130-£220 (3-4 days)
- SIA licence application — £190 (valid for 3 years)
- Total investment — approximately £400-£500 for course plus licence
Why Industrial Workers Make Good Security Staff
- You are already used to shift work, including nights and weekends
- Physical fitness from warehouse and factory work is an advantage
- Health and safety awareness transfers directly
- Discipline and reliability — qualities developed in industrial roles — are highly valued in security
- You understand site operations, which is valuable for construction site and warehouse security roles
Pay Expectations
- Static security — £11.50-£14.00/hour
- Door supervision — £13.00-£18.00/hour (higher for late night and weekend work)
- Event security — £12.00-£16.00/hour (seasonal peaks around festivals and sporting events)
- Construction site security — £12.00-£15.00/hour (often including night shifts)
Security work can complement industrial work — many TRS Recruit workers do warehouse shifts during the week and security work at weekends. Talk to your consultant about combining roles to maximise your income.