Home – Youth & Generation – Research Network

Youth & Generation is a research network that is open for participation from youth researchers from all over Europe and abroad. It covers all aspects of sociological and cultural youth research.

The purpose of the network is to advance research and development in the field of youth sociology, trans­disciplinary youth studies, and intergenerational issues, and to provide the main forum for sociological advancement and debate within this field on a European scale.

Youth & Generation facilitates Internet communication and provides valuable information for our youth to pursue a career and interests that will be satisfying for themselves and to become valuable members of our communities.

One of the first topics we will explore on this site is the tremendous opportunity that exists today to move into a career as a security guard. There are many opportunities in this field today and this is only growing by the day.

Opportunities for our Youth to Become a Security Guard

The demand for security guard professionals is very high in a variety of fields such as healthcare, drinking establishments, entertainment, retail business, transportation, real estate, and many more. Truly, almost all industries need well trained security guards for protecting their needs. Just like the vast opportunities for security guard professionals, the market for security guard training services is also very huge.

Responsibilities of Security Guards

If you want to enter in to the field of security guard, you must undergo rigorous security guard training. After the completion of the course, you can seek entry level jobs for guarding office buildings, shopping malls, residential apartments, and even high end bodyguard works. The responsibilities of an entry level security guard are fairly routine. Though there is no rigor on the body or physical stress, they also need to face dangers in their professional life. The presence of physical confrontation and its frequency in security guard jobs depends on the nature of their work.

Unlike police officers, security guards are not liable to serve and protect the life of the public. The duties of a security guard vary as per the position he/she handles. However, they are responsible for enforcing company rules, prevent and deter crime on company properties, protecting the lives and property of the company, etc. They need to contact the police during the time of need and even handcuff and restrain suspects, depending on the scope of power of a security guard. They must also need to take correct notes as evidences for police investigation, criminal prosecution, and file reports as per the policy of the company. As a security officer, you must also need to handle emergency first aid services.

Requirements for Becoming a Security Guard

If you want to become a security guard, security officer, bouncer, bodyguard, or other types of security professionals, you must undergo a certified security guard training in most jurisdictions and states and get your guard card. You can also obtain these services from a private security company, which offers training courses for those who seek employment in that company. You can also be trained by enrolling in private classes, which offer security guard training. If you select the first option for getting proper training, you need not pay for your training. However, in order to get a free security guard training, you must have some job requirements.

The basic requirements for getting a security guard license may vary from state to state and country to country. However, in a general rule, you must have at least 18 years of age. You must also pass police background check and drugs test.

You can undergo training either classroom or online. There is no need of a license for working in some states or countries. The coursework of a security guard training generally include topics, such as:

• Basic first aid training,
• Writing reports,
• Basic security procedures,
• Ethical code of conducts,
• Emergency response preparation,
• Use of force training,
• Communication training,
• Sensitivity training,
• State law and American legal system,
• Anti-terrorism preparation, etc.

Armed Security Guard Training

If you want to become an armed security guard with a permission to carry a firearm during your duty, you need to spend additional training hours for specializing in firearm handling and security. After the completion of this particular training, you will get a card, which allows you to carry a firearm legally while on duty. Though the training program for becoming an armed security guard vary, there will be a multi-point background check for finding out whether you are the right candidate for carrying a firearm or not.

Benefits of becoming an Armed Security Guard

There are myriad benefits if you become an armed security guard. The first and foremost thing is the salary. The remuneration for armed security guard is higher than the salary basic security guards. The opportunities for making career advancements for armed security guards are also very high. Even if you do not use your firearm during your duty time, you will get more protection from dangerous situations if you are an armed security guard. Just carrying a fire arm is also helpful for minimizing dangerous situations.

Essentials for Firearm Training

In formal firearm training, you need to learn about self defense, weapon retention, and certain laws regarding the usage of firearm. In weapon retention, you will learn about the ways to keep your firearms safe during an attack. This is helpful for avoiding the possibilities of taking your gun from you and uses it against you. You will also get training to retain your firearm during dangerous situations and the ways to keep it secure and lock properly when you carry it.

In self defense training, you will learn techniques for defending yourself with and without firearm. You may not have prior experience in handling a gun. So you may shoot at fire range. You must also be aware of the laws involved in carrying your gun and when and how you can use it. Different states follow different rules, however, you must know the rules for protecting the life of others and yourself.

Where do you get this training?

If you are a licensed private investigator, former police officer, military personnel, or peace officer, you need not undergo training for extra hours to become an armed security guard. However, you must need to register through the state for obtaining a card to hold a firearm. If you do not fall under the above category professionals, you need to undergo training for extra hours to become a licensed armed security guard.

Online Training

Some jurisdictions allow you to undergo basic security guard training and to obtain licensing requirements online. The online training comprises of exercises, lessons, tests, such as classroom courses. It also allows you to interact with instructors and students. Convenience and affordability are the greatest benefits of online security guard training. You can also complete this course in the comfort of your home. This is highly beneficial for full time employees.

Security Guard Salary

The salary of a security guard varies as per the nature of work, training and the place of work. However, it is estimated that a security guard can earn around $26,000-$40,000 per year. If you have more specialization, you can earn around $48,000 per year.