SWAP course provides platform for new role in security

Coming from a military background, Shane Stevens admits that “security was always something that I was looking into” as a longer-term career. In 2023, he found himself between jobs after working as a barman and returning to his family home in Skegness to help look after his seriously ill mum.

When the Job Centre mentioned a possible course that would enable him to apply for his Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence - a legal requirement to work in security - Shane opted to join the Security Sector-Based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) Level 2 at Leicester College.

The six-week programme fast-tracks students into a new career in the private security industry. The programme includes a wide range of learning, including health and safety, equality and diversity, conflict resolution, physical intervention, first aid, as well as employability and interview skills to support future careers.

Course is pathway to SIA licence

Talking about the course, Shane says: “In the first section, we looked at customer service and getting our English up to standard for report writing. It makes you take a different perspective and is a good model for security training. It sets a standard and completing it gives you a sense of achievement.

“We had four exams which you have to pass before you can apply for your SIA licence. Thankfully, I smashed them all. If you’re willing to learn and want to succeed, the tutors can help you get to that stage. They also helped me to apply for my licence, which I got and was even happier!”

Gaining experience in the industry

Shane wanted to go down the route of hospital/healthcare security and through the connections with businesses during his course, he secured a position with a company and worked on bedside security, looking after vulnerable adults in Leicester hospitals.

However, with a young daughter, Shane wanted more regular hours, so he moved to another company, handling high-end garden centre security. The company contract with that particular centre wasn’t renewed, so Shane moved to a different centre.

His next role was with an events company, where he was quickly promoted to supervisor and became one of the owner’s ‘go-to people’.

College connection leads to new opportunity

Shane kept in close contact with his former teachers at the College and shortly afterwards, they put him in touch with a new contact from a company called Poseidon Security Special Services. Poseidon is a leading security firm dedicated to providing unrivalled protection and peace of mind, with services ranging from personal and corporate security to advanced threat assessment and risk management.

The boss at Poseidon was opening a Midlands branch and looking to grow the business in the region, building on several existing training centres in the UK and more internationally.

Shane was interviewed and was successful in securing a regional manager role at the company, where he hopes to “learn, evolve and grow his role.”

He plans to extend his expertise by taking on various training courses with Poseidon, including modules in education and training, first aid at work, delivering conflict management and physical intervention.

Delivering a ‘finished product’

Shane believes that he has now come full circle and is now also helping with mentoring and interviews with Leicester College SWAP students. After seeing their potential close-up, Shane has also recruited a couple of students into his own team at Poseidon - Luke Stuart and Sanchez Webb joined as supervisors.

“In just over a year, I never thought that I could get to the role that I have now. That’s testament to the tutors at Leicester College for their belief in me and sharing their expertise, as well as my own hard work and dedication to getting here. I really wouldn’t be where I am today without the College and feel like I’m the finished product now.

“It’s great to be able to give back in my ambassador role. I’m confident that I’ve done myself and the College proud.”

Philip Lye, Security Trainer at Leicester College and mentor to Shane, said: “Shane Stevens demonstrated a strong grasp of the key principles covered in the security training sessions. His active participation in discussions and practical exercises reflected his commitment to understanding the material thoroughly. Shane consistently asked insightful questions, which not only enhanced his own learning but also contributed positively to group interactions.

“In particular, his ability to identify potential security vulnerabilities and propose actionable solutions was commendable. Overall, Shane's performance was highly satisfactory, and he shows great potential to excel in the field of security. He has already advanced himself with his constant professional behaviour in his roles and is a true asset to the security industry.”