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Liverpool’s security industry is thriving. From the buzzing nightlife of Concert Square to the packed stands at Anfield, from Liverpool ONE’s retail corridors to corporate offices across the city centre security professionals are in demand everywhere you look.
If you’re considering a career change, looking for flexible work that pays well, or simply want to enter an industry where you can start earning quickly, security could be your perfect fit. The best part? You don’t need a degree, years of experience, or a specific background. You just need the right training and an SIA licence.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about starting your security career in Liverpool in 2026. We’ll cover the types of roles available, what’s required to get started, realistic costs and timelines, and how ESO Training NW can help you go from complete beginner to working professional in just a few weeks.
Let’s dive in.
Why Liverpool is Brilliant for Security Careers
Liverpool isn’t just a great city to live in, it’s a fantastic place to work in security.
The city’s entertainment scene is legendary. Concert Square, the Baltic Triangle, and Matthew Street attract thousands of people every weekend. Major venues like the M&S Bank Arena, Anfield, and Goodison Park host concerts, sports events, and exhibitions year-round. Every single one of these venues needs trained security professionals.
Then there’s retail. Liverpool ONE alone is one of Europe’s largest open-air shopping complexes, and it’s just one part of the city’s retail landscape. Shopping centres, retail parks, and high street stores all require security guards to keep customers and staff safe.
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Join Now →Add in corporate offices, construction sites, warehouses, and industrial facilities, and you’ll quickly see why security work is so readily available in Liverpool.
The benefits are hard to ignore:
- Flexible hours: Security work suits people with other commitments. Many roles are part-time, evenings, or weekends, making it perfect for students, parents, or anyone balancing multiple responsibilities.
- Quick entry to employment: Unlike many careers that require months or years of training, you can be working in security within weeks of deciding to start.
- Decent pay: Starting salaries typically range from £11 to £13 per hour. With experience, you can earn £14 to £18 per hour or more, especially in specialist roles or supervisory positions.
- Career progression: Security isn’t just a job; it’s a career. Many people start on the doors or in retail security and work their way up to team leader, supervisor, or management roles. Some even start their own security companies.
- No degree required: This is a merit-based industry. What matters is your professionalism, reliability, and how well you do your job not what qualifications you left school with.
If you’re looking for work that’s available now, pays fairly, and offers genuine career prospects, Liverpool’s security industry delivers.
Want the specifics on different roles?
Read our detailed guide to [3 Types of Security Roles in Liverpool (And Which Pays Best)].
The 3 Main Security Roles in Liverpool
Security work isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are three main roles, each with different environments, responsibilities, and requirements. Here’s what you need to know about each one.
1. Door Supervisor
Door supervisors work at pubs, clubs, bars, and music venues. You’ll be the first person people see when they arrive and often the last person they see when they leave.
- What you’ll do: Check IDs, manage queues, search bags, deal with difficult customers, and handle any conflicts that arise. It’s a people-facing role that requires good communication and the ability to stay calm when things get heated.
- Where you’ll work: Think Concert Square, Seel Street, the Baltic Triangle anywhere people go out to drink, dance, or listen to live music. Event work at venues like the M&S Bank Arena is also common.
- Hours: Mostly evenings and weekends, typically starting around 8pm and finishing between 2am and 4am.
- Starting pay: £12 to £14 per hour
- Best for: People who like fast-paced environments, enjoy interacting with the public, and can handle late nights.
2. Security Guard
Security guards work in a much wider range of environments than door supervisors. You could be protecting a retail store, patrolling a construction site, monitoring an office building, or guarding a warehouse.
- What you’ll do: Patrol premises, monitor CCTV, check people in and out, report suspicious activity, and respond to incidents. Your job is to prevent theft, damage, and unauthorised access.
- Where you’ll work: Retail parks, shopping centres, corporate offices, construction sites, warehouses, industrial estates the variety is huge.
- Hours: Can be day or night shifts, weekdays or weekends. Many sites need 24-hour coverage, so shift work is common.
- Starting pay: £11 to £13 per hour
- Best for: People who want variety in their work, prefer a mix of indoor and outdoor settings, and enjoy problem-solving.
3. CCTV Operator (Public Space Surveillance)
CCTV operators monitor camera systems from control rooms. You’re the eyes and ears for security teams on the ground.
- What you’ll do: Watch multiple camera feeds, spot suspicious behaviour, coordinate responses to incidents, and maintain detailed logs of everything you observe.
- Where you’ll work: Shopping centres, transport hubs, car parks, and council-run CCTV control rooms monitoring public spaces across Liverpool.
- Hours: Shift work, including days, nights, and weekends.
- Starting pay: £11 to £13 per hour
- Best for: Detail-oriented people who can concentrate for long periods, work well independently, and have good communication skills for coordinating with ground teams.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Environment | Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door Supervisor | Nightlife venues | Evenings/nights | Fast-paced, people-focused individuals |
| Security Guard | Varied sites | Flexible shifts | Those wanting variety and active work |
| CCTV Operator | Control rooms | Day/night shifts | Detail-oriented, patient individuals |
Not sure which role suits you? Our guide [3 Types of Security Roles in Liverpool (And Which Pays Best)] breaks down each role in much more detail, including day-in-the-life examples and what employers are really looking for.
Requirements to Start A Security Career in Liverpool
Here’s the non-negotiable part: you cannot work in security in the UK without an SIA licence. Full stop.
What is the SIA?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government organisation that regulates the private security industry. They’re responsible for making sure everyone working in security is properly trained, vetted, and licensed.
Think of your SIA licence as your professional badge. It proves to employers that you’ve completed approved training, passed background checks, and meet the legal requirements to work in security. Without it, no legitimate employer will hire you.
Which licence do you need?
There are different SIA licences for different roles:
- Door Supervision licence: Required for working at pubs, clubs, bars, and entertainment venues
- Security Guarding licence: Required for retail security, corporate security, site security, and mobile patrols
- CCTV (Public Space Surveillance) licence: Required for operating CCTV systems that monitor public areas
Each licence is specific to its role. If you want to work as both a door supervisor and a security guard, you’ll need both licences (though many people start with one and add others later as their career develops).
How long does it last?
Your SIA licence is valid for three years. After that, you’ll need to renew it by taking a one-day refresher course and applying again. The renewal process is quicker and cheaper than getting your first licence.
The bottom line
Getting your SIA licence involves two things: completing an approved training course and passing the exam, then applying to the SIA for your actual licence. The training takes 3 to 4 days. The licence application takes 4 to 6 weeks to process.
Start to finish, you’re looking at 6 to 8 weeks from booking your course to holding your licence and being ready to work.
Want every detail about costs, timelines, and the application process? Check out our [SIA Licence Cost & Application Guide].
4 Easy Steps to Get Your Security Career Started
Right, let’s get practical. Here’s exactly how you go from “I’m interested in security” to “I’m working in security.”
Step 1: Choose Your Training Course
First, decide which type of security work interests you most. Do you see yourself on the doors of Liverpool’s busiest venues? Patrolling a retail park? Monitoring CCTV screens?
Once you’ve decided, book the matching SIA training course:
- Door Supervision course for nightlife work
- Security Guarding course for retail, corporate, or site work
- CCTV Operator course for control room work
Training typically takes 3 to 4 days of face-to-face learning. Yes, face-to-face. While some providers offer online options, in-person training is far more effective. You’ll practice real scenarios, learn physical intervention techniques properly, and get immediate feedback from experienced instructors.
What you’ll learn during training:
- Physical intervention techniques: How to safely restrain someone if absolutely necessary
- Conflict management: De-escalation tactics and communication strategies
- Law and legislation: Your legal powers, responsibilities, and limitations
- Health and safety: Risk assessment, incident reporting, emergency procedures
- Emergency first aid: Basic first aid skills for common incidents
Step 2: Complete Your Training & Pass Your Exam
Attend all your course sessions. Pay attention, ask questions, and practice the techniques your instructors demonstrate. This isn’t just box-ticking, this training could genuinely keep you safe in difficult situations.
At the end of your course, you’ll take a multiple-choice exam. The questions test your knowledge of everything covered in training: physical intervention, conflict management, law, health and safety, and first aid.
Pass rates are high when you’ve engaged with the training. At ESO Training NW, you’ll get your exam results instantly, no waiting around wondering if you’ve passed.
If you do need to retake the exam (it happens), ESO offers unlimited free retakes. You’re not paying again just because you were nervous on the day.
Once you pass, you’ll receive your training certificate. Keep it safe, you’ll need it for your SIA licence application.
Step 3: Apply for Your SIA Licence
With your training certificate in hand, you’re ready to apply to the SIA for your actual licence.
The application is done online through the SIA website. You’ll need to upload:
- Photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement)
- Your training certificate (the one you just earned)
You’ll also need to pay the licence fee, which is £190 as of 2025. This includes your DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) criminal record check, which the SIA conducts as part of the application process.
Processing time: The SIA aims to process applications within 4 to 6 weeks, though it can occasionally take longer during busy periods.
Pro tip: Submit your application as soon as you receive your training certificate. Don’t wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner you’re licensed and ready to work.
Need help with your application? ESO Training NW provides full support to students, walking you through the process and making sure everything’s submitted correctly.
Step 4: Start Applying for Jobs
Once your SIA licence arrives, you’re employment-ready. Time to start applying.
Where to look for jobs:
- Online job boards (Indeed, Reed, Total Jobs)
- Security recruitment agencies based in Liverpool
- Direct applications to security companies
- Networking with people you met during training
What employers want to see:
- Your SIA licence (obviously)
- Reliability and punctuality (this matters more than almost anything else)
- Professional appearance and communication skills
- A positive, can-do attitude
- References if you have them (though not essential for first roles)
Many ESO students find work before their licence even arrives. Some security agencies offer provisional work or roles that don’t require an SIA licence while you’re waiting for yours to come through.
The key is to start applying early, be professional in your applications and interviews, and show up ready to work when opportunities come.
For the complete step-by-step breakdown of this entire process, including common mistakes to avoid and insider tips, read our guide: [How to Get Your SIA Licence in Liverpool: Step-by-Step].
🚀 Start Your Security Career Today
Get SIA qualified in just 3-4 days with ESO Training NW. Professional training, instant results, and full support to launch your career in Liverpool’s growing security industry.
What It Costs (And How Quickly You’ll Earn It Back)
Let’s talk money. Security training requires an upfront investment, but it pays for itself remarkably quickly.
Total Investment
- SIA Training Course: £250 (for Door Supervision, Security Guarding, or CCTV Operator training)
- SIA Licence Application: £190(includes DBS check)
Total: £440
That’s it. No hidden fees, no expensive equipment to buy, no ongoing costs until your licence needs renewing in three years.
Return on Investment
Now let’s see how quickly you earn that back.
If you’re working 2 to 3 shifts per week at £12 per hour:
- 2 shifts per week (16 hours) = £192/week = £768/month
- 3 shifts per week (24 hours) = £288/week = £1,152/month
You’ll recover your £440 investment in 3 to 4 weeks of part-time work.
After that, it’s all income. And remember, your licence lasts three years. That’s three years of earning from a one-time investment of £440.
Full-time security work (40 hours per week at £12/hour) brings in around £2,080 per month. Even accounting for tax and National Insurance, that’s a solid income—especially considering the minimal barrier to entry.
Funding Available
Not everyone has £440 available upfront, and ESO Training NW understands that.
Fully funded courses are available for:
- People receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Low-income applicants who meet eligibility criteria
If you think you might qualify for funding, get in touch with ESO. They’ll guide you through the process and help you access the support available.
For a complete breakdown of all costs involved—including licence renewals, refresher courses, and how to budget for your security career—see our detailed [SIA Licence Cost & Application Guide].
What Skills Do You Need?
Here’s the good news: most of the skills required for security work are taught during your training. You don’t need to arrive as a finished product.
That said, certain qualities make someone more likely to succeed in security. Let’s be honest about what matters.
Essential Qualities
- Good communication: You’ll interact with the public every shift. Whether you’re asking someone to leave a venue, directing visitors in a building, or coordinating with colleagues, clear communication is essential.
- Staying calm under pressure: Things can escalate quickly in security. The ability to remain level-headed when situations become tense or confrontational is crucial.
- Reliability and punctuality: This genuinely matters more than almost anything else. Security shifts need covering. If you say you’ll be there, be there. Employers value dependability above flair.
- Professional appearance: You’re representing the venue or site you’re protecting. Smart, clean presentation shows you take the job seriously.
- Basic fitness: You don’t need to be a gym enthusiast, but security work can involve standing for long periods, walking patrols, or occasionally needing to physically intervene. A reasonable level of fitness helps.
What You Don’t Need
Let’s clear up some myths:
You don’t need previous security experience
Everyone starts somewhere. Your training and SIA licence are your foundation.
You don’t need a university degree
Security is a practical, skills-based industry. Your qualifications don’t matter; your performance does.
You don’t need a military or police background
While some security professionals come from these backgrounds, most don’t. Civilian life experience is perfectly adequate.
You don’t need to be exceptionally strong or intimidating
Physical presence helps in some situations, but communication and conflict resolution matter far more than size or strength.
If you’re responsible, personable, and willing to learn, you can absolutely succeed in security. The industry needs professional, reliable people far more than it needs intimidating bouncers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle the questions almost everyone asks when considering security work.
How long before I can start working?
6 to 8 weeks total, broken down as follows:
- 3 to 4 days for your training course
- Immediate exam results (if training with ESO)
- 4 to 6 weeks for SIA licence processing
Some people start provisional work or non-licensed roles while waiting for their licence. Others use the waiting period to apply for jobs so they’re ready to start the moment their licence arrives.
Can I work with a criminal record?
It depends on the offence and how long ago it occurred.
The SIA conducts a DBS check as part of your licence application. Spent convictions (those that happened a long time ago under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act) may not prevent you from getting licensed. Recent or serious offences particularly violent crimes, sexual offences, or drug-related convictions are more likely to result in a refused application.
The SIA assesses each case individually. If you’re concerned about your criminal record, you can contact the SIA directly to discuss your situation before paying for training.
Being honest upfront saves time and money. Don’t hide convictions, they’ll show up in the DBS check anyway.
We’ve written a detailed guide on this topic:
[Can You Get Security Work With a Criminal Record? (UK)].
Do I need to be big or strong?
No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about security work.
Yes, physical intervention techniques are part of your training, and yes, you may occasionally need to restrain someone. But modern security work prioritises de-escalation, communication, and calling for backup or police when situations become dangerous.
Your training teaches you proper techniques that don’t rely on brute strength. It’s about control, positioning, and working as part of a team not overpowering people single-handedly.
Many successful security professionals are average height and build. What sets them apart is professionalism, awareness, and the ability to read situations before they escalate.
Can I do this part-time?
Absolutely. Security work is one of the most flexible industries you’ll find.
Many venues and sites need weekend or evening cover. Retail security often requires part-time staff. Event security is project-based, letting you pick up shifts when they suit you.
Students, parents, and people with other jobs all work in security part-time. It’s one of the industry’s biggest advantages.
Is the work dangerous?
The honest answer: most shifts are routine. You’ll spend far more time standing, observing, and chatting with colleagues than dealing with incidents.
When incidents do happen, your training prepares you for them. You’re also rarely working alone, there’s usually backup nearby, whether that’s other security staff, managers, or the police.
Certain roles carry more risk than others. Door supervision in busy nightlife areas can involve dealing with intoxicated or aggressive people. Retail security might involve confronting shoplifters. CCTV work is low-risk by comparison.
The key is following your training, staying aware, and never putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Your job is to protect people and property, not to be a hero.
Your Next Step: Start Your Training in Liverpool
You’ve read this far, which means you’re seriously considering this. So let’s talk about how to actually make it happen.
Why Choose ESO Training NW?
- Local expertise: ESO Training NW is based in Liverpool and has been training Liverpool’s security professionals for over 10 years. The instructors know the local industry inside out where people work, what venues are hiring, and what employers expect. You’re learning from people with 30+ years of combined security experience, not just trainers reading from a script.
- Student-first approach: ESO’s philosophy is simple: get you trained, licensed, and working. That means:
-
- 100% face-to-face training – No shortcuts, no online modules that leave you underprepared
- Instant exam results – You’ll know if you’ve passed before you leave
- Unlimited free retakes – If you need to resit the exam, there’s no extra charge
- Full application support – Help with your SIA licence application so it’s done right first time
- Job placement guidance – Advice on where to apply and how to present yourself to employers
- Proven results: ESO has trained hundreds of security professionals who are now working across Liverpool’s venues, sites, and businesses. High pass rates, positive student feedback, and real industry connections make ESO a trusted choice for SIA training in the North West.
🚀 Start Your Security Career Today
Get SIA qualified in just 3-4 days with ESO Training NW. Professional training, instant results, and full support to launch your career in Liverpool’s growing security industry.
Ready to Start?
Your security career begins with one decision: book your SIA training course.
[Door Supervisor Training – £250]: Perfect for nightlife, entertainment venues, and events
[Security Guard Training – £250]: Ideal for retail, corporate, and site security
[CCTV Operator Training – £250]: For control room and surveillance work
Training courses run regularly at ESO’s Liverpool location: St Mary’s Complex, Waverly Street, Bootle, L20 4AP.
Do you have Questions before you book your SIA course?
You can Call ESO Training NW on 07897382290 or chat with us.
The Liverpool security industry is busy, and opportunities are available right now. The only question is whether you’re ready to take the first step.
Victor Ijomah