Security and armed forces... in detail

What does it involve?

Working in the emergency or Armed services can be very rewarding work. You might be rescuing people as a firefighter, searching for drugs as a police dog handler or flying fighter planes! Other job areas include the prison service, security guard work or coastguard. You might be suited to a job in this work area if you're able to cope with what might sometimes be upsetting, difficult or dangerous situations. It's a myth that you need to be tough or a man to do this sort of work - but you do need to be reliable.

In most jobs, you'll work as part of a team and will often have to work unsociable hours - you may also have to wear a uniform. For many of the jobs you'll get training as you work and for some of them you won't need formal qualifications; however, you may need to pass various entry tests.

What’s happening in the industry?

The Armed Forces are facing skills shortages at the moment and struggle to recruit and keep people. The main skill shortages are in defence medical services, aircrew, submariners and royal signals.

Jobs within the justice sector (the police, courts and prison service) are expected to grow over the next few years, especially in the police. Fewer administrative staff will be needed in the police force and the number of qualified police officers will go down as they are replaced with civilian beat officers who will not necessarily have the power to arrest. In the prison service, the number of females employed is expected to grow. Skills gaps in the justice sector include customer care, teamwork and ICT skills.

Social changes such as the need to deal with anti-social behaviour and changes to legislation are two of the factors that affect the way this sector is driven.

Like most sectors, this area of work needs to replace people who are retiring so there will be a demand for young people to join the various industries.

How to get into this type of work

Your Personal Adviser will be able to discuss your options with you.

School or college - study for GCSEs, AS / A levels, NVQs or other vocational qualifications that could lead to a job, an Apprenticeship, further qualifications or even a degree. Not all jobs need formal qualifications but it is best to get the minimum GCSEs or equivalent.

e2e (Entry to Employment) - if you’re not sure if you’re suited to this job you might be able to get some work experience through e2e. It can also give you extra support to gain the right qualifications, get onto a training programme or get a job.

Apprenticeship - train ‘on-the-job’ with a wage or allowance. For the latest Apprenticeship vacancies in Nottinghamshire go to Vacancies Online.

Work or work with training

Which skills?

Communication
Team work
Customer care
Physical fitness (for some jobs)

What else can I do?

Get some work experience.
Brush up on some of your skills such as team work or customer care.
Read about working in security and the armed forces on Jobs4U or look for the online EClips job descriptions in your school or nearest Connexions centre.
Talk to your Personal Adviser.

For courses go to MyChoiceNotts

For job and training vacancies go to Vacancies Online

For more job info go to Jobs4U

For useful links go to Fetch!