Page 29 - the SyI Quarterly 10

Education and Learning

Choosing Development But upon entering the security field, determining

over Comfort an appropriate Security Operative career
pathway became a problem: ‘Trying to find
that defined career path within this aspect of
security is very difficult. There’s a general lack of
structured training within Security Management
By Rhiannon Limbert, Marketing Coordinator at the Linx International Group that makes it difficult to find a clear-cut route
up the career ladder. People coming in have no
pathway, which means there’s nothing to aim
for. There needs to be clearer entry routes and
career paths if people are going to rise.’

Karol continues: ‘It’s fair to say that many security
managers reach a certain level within their roles
In a post-pandemic state of working from home and instantaneous gratification, coming out of your then stop. They’re earning good money for (what
comfort zone (literally and figuratively) and choosing to better yourself takes a certain level of drive can be) a relatively straightforward job so they’re
and a commitment to long-term effort. comfortable; there’s little incentive to keep
driving forward. The comfort zone has been
As the world begins to open up once again, people are taking a good look around and determining reached and that’s that.’
where they sit amongst the benchmark of their peers. In a rapidly evolving sector, the need for
reputable qualifications is becoming almost a necessity as professionals vie for the latest certification But for Karol, being comfortable wasn’t enough.
or membership body that will give them an edge in their job. They network with peers and join Keen to further his comprehension he began
mentoring schemes; they become members of recognised and respected bodies - such as The researching training and development courses.
Security Institute - and consciously work on their Continuous Professional Development. This type of He found PerpetuityARC Training and their
work – as it is a work – takes commitment and isn’t for the complacent. distance learning programmes delivered in
partnership with The Security Institute and
Having observed these changes across the sector, we spoke to one learner who understands the embarked on his first course in 2015: The
importance of committing to long-term progression no matter the responsibility. Karol Doherty is well BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Security Management.
known both within The Security Institute and to PerpetuityARC Training. Having joined PerpetuityARC To his surprise, the affects after certification
Training in 2019 as a learner on the BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Security Management, he’s continued were almost instant: ‘I am treated with more
his learning, undertaking several distance learning courses and is now working towards The Security respect within the job because not every
security manager has a qualification, and that’s
Institute Advanced Diploma in Security Management the difference.’ He continues: ‘There’s almost
QNUK Level 7. But as someone who has faced his a superciliousness in the industry if you don’t
share of professional and personal difficulties over have a qualification, but on the flip side, how can
the last few years, his choice to pursue development people become qualified if there’s a general lack
over his comfort zone is made all the more
remarkable. of career guidance across the sector? It’s a Catch-22 scenario.’
PerpetuityARC Training sat down with Karol to hear Next steps
more about what has helped to drive him on, and
the challenges he’s faced. As well as working full time, Karol’s achievements are made more admirable by the fact that
he has dyslexia. To his dismay, that became an issue when speaking to other training centres:
‘When I decided I wanted to do training I rang a few alternative training centres to make
The beginnings enquiries. When I explained I was dyslexic, they turned me away and said they couldn’t help
‘I’ve been in security guarding for 19 years,’ Karol me. The doors literally shut.’ He pauses for a moment, reflecting: ‘Then I found PerpetuityARC
says, ‘and worked in almost every sector within the Training. They were absolutely amazing; I can’t say enough good things.
role including retail and education. My beginnings,
though, were in the Irish defence force, where I When I first started the Level 5 Diploma, my confidence in my ability to write even a risk
served for 5 years before I left in 2003 and came assessment was so low. When it came to the Level 7 the idea of referencing and essay writing
to England. I stayed in defence and security, like just seemed inadmissible. I remember saying to Keeva – one of the course tutors “there’s no
many veterans, and gradually over the years worked way I can do this”. But nothing was too much for them. I cannot put in enough good words for
my way up the career. I’m now a qualified and the team and the tutors for helping. It’s not always easy but it’s not endlessly hard either.’
experienced Security Manager.’

28 29