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Security Guards
A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia Contents
1. Working as a Security Guard [NOC 6541] . 2 2. Skills, Education and Experience . 7 3. Finding Jobs . 9 4. Applying for a Job . 11 5. Getting Help from Industry Sources . 12  1. Working as a Security Guard [NOC 6541]
Job Description
Security guards protect buildings and areas from theft, fire, vandalism, and illegal entry. Specific duties depend on where you work. As a security guard you may do the following:  control access to establishments  operate security control-room equipment  patrol assigned areas to guard against theft, vandalism and fire  maintain order and resolve conflicts  ensure safety and emergency procedures are followed  issue passes and direct visitors to appropriate areas  check age identification of patrons  perform security checks of passengers and luggage at airports Sources: WorkBC Career Profile http://www.workbc.ca/Careers/ [search 6541] Career Cruising (Profile for Security Guard) Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/c Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia Industry Overview
There is currently a shortage of security guards in BC. Many new graduates quickly move to higher paying jobs outside of the industry, so job opportunities are regularly available. If you have previous experience working as a security guard, in law enforcement, or in the armed forces you will have greater employment prospects. Experience using closed circuit camera monitoring equipment and software also increases your chance of employment. There is a growing demand for guards with advanced security solutions training and threat/risk assessment skills. Most jobs are found in large urban centres such as the Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island regions. There may be higher growth in any port area of BC due to changes to the Marine Security Act by Transport Canada.
Job Outlook in BC
Security Guards and Related Occupations, NOC 6541
Chart from WorkBC Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia The Employment Outlook for BC 2007-2017 provides job openings projections
for Security Guards within BC regions: Avg Annual %
Estimated
Estimated
Change, 5 Years,
Employment
Employment
2010 to 2015
Vancouver Island Lower Mainland / Southwest Thompson-Okanagan 770 North Coast & Nechako Source: Regional Employment Projections, BC Stats. Projections for development regions. You can learn more about working as a Security Guard in BC from:  WorkBC Careers at http://www.workbc.ca/careers/
[search Security Guard or 6541]  Career Cruising [Profile for Security Guard]
Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: Types of Employers
Security guards are employed by security agencies or directly by businesses, governments, and various other organizations. You may work in a wide variety of establishments, including:  museums or galleries  office buildings  retail stores, banks, and more Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia The average salary for Security Guards working full-time in BC is between $33,000 and $44,000 a year. Your salary depends on employer, location and experience. If you are hired by a security agency you generally receive a lower salary and fewer benefits than if you are hired directly by businesses, government agencies, or other organizations. Guards who are certified to carry firearms often earn more than those who are not. In addition to a salary, you may receive benefits such as paid vacation days, health and dental benefits if you work in a full-time job. If you are employed by a government agency you may belong to a union, which means your salary rates and benefits are negotiated on your behalf by union representatives. Job Bank Canada, Wage Report, provides hourly wages for Security Guards in BC Chart from Job Bank Canada wage reports http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/ Sources: WorkBC and Career Cruising Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia
Working Hours
Most security guards work full time, typically working 40 hours per week. However, many job opportunities are seasonal, so you may be employed only part of the year. You may be required to work shifts that include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Source: WorkBC Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia 2. Skills, Education and Experience

Skills
 strong observation and communication skills  ability to make quick decisions during emergency situations and work in stressful situations  comfortable working alone  ability to stick to procedures, routines and regulations  ability to act in a disciplined, honest and ethical manner  physically fit, good hearing and vision
Education and Experience
To work as a Security Guard in BC you require:  Completion of grade 12 (preferred by employers but not mandatory)
 Licensing under the Security Services Act  A criminal background check  Completion of the Basic Security Training (BST) course with a grade of 60 percent or higher on the final exam for each course Additional training requirements vary depending on your employer. Source: WorkBC

Qualifications

This occupation is regulated in British Columbia.
You must obtain a valid BC Security Worker Licence in order to work as a
security guard in BC. Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia There are a number of requirements before obtaining a security worker licence  Complete Basic Security Training (BST)  Comply with the Security Services Act "Code of Conduct"  Consent to a Criminal Record check  Provide fingerprints and photograph  Supply proof of Canadian Citizenship or Landed Immigrant status  Be sufficiently fluent in the English language to converse with the public while carrying out duties. For more information on licensing see:  Security Industry Licensing. BC Ministry of Justice
 Basic Security Training. Justice Institute of BC (JIBC)
JIBC develops and offers the Basic Security Training course and oversees all approved security schools in British Columbia. Internationally Trained Security Guards
If you believe you have acquired the equivalent training and/or experience required from outside BC for a security guard licence, there is a process set up to demonstrate your skills. Contact the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) (http://www.jibc.ca/) directly to have previous training or experience reviewed. Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia 3. Finding Jobs
You'll find job advertisements in local newspapers, trade journals, and electronic sources, as well as through professional association publications. Local Newspapers
You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily and the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in The Province on Sundays. Job White Pages
Available in print at the Central Library or online at NOTE: You can only access this database from the Central Library or VPL branch libraries.
Access is NOT available from home or outside the Library.
Online Job Postings
 Indeed.com
http://ca.indeed.com/advanced_search
Find jobs posted on a multitude of company career sites and job boards
 Neuvoo.ca
http://neuvoo.ca/en
Professional Associations' Career Resources
 Canadian Security Association Job Board
Membership required Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia Identifying the Right Position
When you browse job advertisements, you'll find a range of different job titles that For security guards look for these related job titles  bodyguard (except police)  commissionaire  gate attendant – security  night watchman/woman Creating a List of Potential Employers
You can use directories to produce lists of companies in the Lower Mainland or BC. Contact them directly to find out if they're hiring.  Canadian Company Capabilities
Search using keywords "Security Guard & Patrol Services." Can narrow search by Province.  Reference Canada
http://www.vpl.ca/electronic_databases/alpha/r Go to the "Reference Canada" database and look for "Canadian Businesses" at top of the page and choose the "Custom Search" tab. Select "Business Type" and click on "Keyword/SIC/NAICS" and then enter keywords [ie: "Security Guard"] and click LOOKUP and select appropriate headings. You can combine these headings with a location by clicking on "Geography." Click on the "View results" button at top left side of page. Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page Last updated January 14, 2016 Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a
computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number). 4. Applying for a Job
In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter. These should identify the position you are applying for and summarize your relevant experience. Use the library catalogue, http://vpl.bibliocommons.com/ to find books on writing resumes and cover letters specific to your industry. To learn about applying for jobs in Canada, use the following guides which are available in print at the Central Library or online:  Writing Resumes and Cover Letters
Go to http://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/career-advice/  Getting Canadian Work Experience
Go to http://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/career-advice/  Networking for Employment
Go to http://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/career-advice/  Learn More About Working in BC and Canada
Go to http://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/career-advice/ Last updated January 14, 2016

Security Guards A guide for newcomers to British Columbia 5. Getting Help from Industry Sources
Industry Associations
Associations for security services in BC and Canada can provide information and assistance. Registration and fees are usually required for membership.  BC Association of Security Professionals
http://www.bcasp.org/  Canadian Security Association (CANASA)
http://www.canasa.org/  Canadian Council of Security Professionals (CCSP)
A professional association for persons engaged in security in Canada.

Industry Journals
Search the Vancouver Public Library catalogue for journals related to your profession. Examples at the Central Library:  Canadian Security
Available at VPL Central Library 658.4705 C21 And online at: http://www.canadiansecuritymag.com/ Questions? Please ask the Information Staff in the Central Branch,
Vancouver Public Library or telephone 604-331-3603.

Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at http://skilledimmigrants.vpl.ca/
Last updated January 14, 2016

Source: http://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/files/2016/03/Security_Guards.pdf