s i a licence

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 3:53 pm

hi, i was about to start a course for my licence on monday the 16/01/06 but i phoned the company to cancel the course because i have a start for the prison service in feb, but its only a years contract. after i have finished my contract could i still work in the security industry. by that i meen apply for a security positin without the licence and the company put me through it and me pay for it as what most seem to be doing....
please help Confused

Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2006 11:08 pm

Hi Crane,

As current legislation stands, you would still be required to take the training and apply for a licence when you leave the PS.

You may be lucky enough to find a company willing to pay for your training (don't hold your breath), but it's catch 22 since by then you will not be allowed to work until you already have your licence.

Sorry mate, but unless there is a change in legislation you are out of luck.

Mike.

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:03 pm

hi,thanks for the reply. so what happens say if people want to go into the industry after the licence is up and running....would it cost 190 pounds for them or would they have to pay for all the courses as well. if so their is going to be a lack of guards if they are only advertising for people with licences. what would be the total cost......its looking like i will be long very long term unemployed..... Rolling Eyes

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 4:29 pm

Hi Crane,

There are a number of ways to look at it.
At present there is an immense backlog of licence applications that need to be processed before March 20th. That is for those that already have the the training certificates. I cannot honestly see many companies taking on new recruits at this time due to the fact that any licence application submitted now is unlikely to be processed by the cut off date.
On the other hand, their may be a number of companies that have in house trainers that may not be quite so busy now.....assuming they have completed training all their own staff.
Hopefully you might drop lucky and find such a company that will train you but the truth of the matter is that they cannot use you until you have received your licence.
Presumably, when the initial rush for licenses has died down, the time to process new applications will be considerably less than at present.
As for entrants into the industry after "the rush", they will still require a licence (£190 - valid for 3 years).
Some employers may pay for the cost of the training courses. Obviously, there will be those that will not or recover the costs from the employee on gradual payback terms.
One thing is for sure.......you can bet that anyone with a licence by the cut off date can expect to practically walk into employment and at a much better rate of pay than the current norm.

One option may be for you to take your training whilst you are woking for the PS (maybe evening courses) and then apply for your licence. Then when your contract has finished, you can pretty much pick your job (within reason of course).

Hope this helps,

Mike.

Posted: Fri Jan 13, 2006 6:29 pm

hi mike yes you have been very helpfull .....many thanks.. Laughing