Security Guards and Related Occupations
What they do?
Workers in this unit group perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Drive and guard armoured trucks and deliver cash and valuables to banks, automated teller machines and retail establishments
B. Ensure that establishment safety and emergency procedures are followed, and respond to fire alarms, bomb threats and other emergencies.
C. Follow radio and emergency telephone procedures.
D. Control access to establishments, issue passes and direct visitors to appropriate areas
E. Attend to persons with special needs
F. Patrol assigned areas, on foot or in vehicles, to guard against theft, shoplifting, vandalism and fire
G. Ensure safety of children crossing roads
Where they find work?
1. Administrative and support waste management and remediation services - 58.0%
2. Public administration - 11.0%
3. Arts entertainment and recreation - 5.0%
4. Health care and social assistance - 4.0%
5. Accommodation and food services - 4.0%
6. Educational services - 3.0%
What education do I need?
1. In general, you usually need a high school diploma.
2. To be an airport security guard, you receive training from your employer.
3. If you work as a security guard for the federal government, you must be trained to Canadian General Standards Board standards. People in other security/guarding occupations may also get training.
4. If you are required to carry a firearm, you need a gun licence.
5. To be an armoured car driver, you need a driver's licence.
6. With experience, you may move up the ranks to become a senior security guard or supervisor.
High School Subject that will help:
1. English
2. Physical Education
3. Social Studies
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Security Guards and Related Occupations is $12.53/HR, which is close to the average for occupations in the sale and service sector and are close to the average for all labouring and elemental occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
6% of Security Guards and Related Occupations are unemployed. This rate is below the average for labouring and elemental occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Security Guards and Related Occupations is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($12.53) are below the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is also below average.
3. The unemployment rate (6%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average because the security is now a high priority for business/government.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely match the number of job openings.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (41%) is close to the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Safety procedures
2. Assessing situations
3. Dealing with the public
