Certificate in Security

Karen Begg keeps her finger on the pulse at North Shore Hospital. Picture / Marting Sykes

The course

A career as a professional security officer is the end goal for people who study Waikato Institute of Technology's Certificate of Security.

The distance learning course allows students to study in their own time and submit written work by correspondence.

The year-long course incorporates the NZQA awards of National Certificate in Security (level two) and National Certificate in Security (level three).

Students can leave the programme after the first 17 weeks with the National Certificate in Security (level two), if they have successfully completed the required units.

Candidates must gain, during the first semester of teaching, a Certificate of Approval from the Registrar of Security Guards and Investigators, to complete the work placement requirements. People need to be over 18 with no criminal convictions in the past five years.

Over the year, students complete seven compulsory modules and one optional subject.

Topics covered include communication skills, first aid, basic practical skills for emergency situations, security law and an introductory knowledge of the protective security industry.

Students also learn about managing violence, suspects, and personal safety in high risk situations.

Practical experience is gained through placement into field situations, either arranged by the student or by Wintec. Usually 25 per cent of students are working in security and others are seeking employment. By the end of the course, 70 per cent are employed in the industry.

Each module involves around 120 hours of learning, but the time needed by each student differs depending on academic experience and application.

There's open entry for the course so anyone who can demonstrate the likelihood of success can apply. Wintec performs telephone interviews with candidates.

There are two block courses for students to attend - one for four days and one for three days. They are held in Auckland and Hamilton or elsewhere if required.

The face-to-face learning involves practical exercises. There's a day of self defence and calm and restraint training on each block course. Driving skills and first aid are also taught.

Fees are $495.80 including GST and people can apply at any time of the year.

The New Zealand Security Association recognises the qualification and major employers pay their security officers more if they have the certificate.

Graduates have found work across the country as prison officers, airport security, and other fields from retail undercover security through to cash work, site security and mobile patrols.

To improve promotional prospects, graduates can pursue further study. From July, Wintec will offer the National Certificate in Security (supervision) level five by distance learning and also intends offering the Diploma in Security level six. 
 

The graduate

Karen Begg, 34
Security co-ordinator
Waitemata District Health Board
Auckland
Graduated 2005

I wanted to take the course to attain the recognition it gives. I found the distance learning great as there was no pressure and there was a generous amount of time to finish the modules. I fitted it in around work.

As far as patrolling and basic security skills and communication, as I was learning for the course, I was using the skills on the job.

I found the law side of it really interesting.

Completing the course is good for team building. It changes the way you work. You are aware of a lot more stuff and have more confidence. I think it would stand out for any employer who looks at your CV.


The employer

Bill Sageman
Security and traffic services manager
Waitemata District Health Board
Auckland

It is the only qualification for security people for level three. It is a good starting point and that is what we need in the industry. We are really encouraging our staff to do it.

We pay for it. We are an in-house team and we want everyone doing security work or co-ordination of traffic to be up to the basic standard.

We are in the process of putting in a salary progression scale that will recognise the certificate.

For people applying for work, having the certificate indicates they have chosen security as a career and are serious about it.

In our profession, health care, it is important that they do take it seriously.

The level three course does not make a big difference. The big difference is when people are learning at work and apply the theory and practice."


The qualification

Certificate in Security
Waikato Institute of Technology

Phone: 0800 800 043
Salary: $9.50/hour up to $16/hour