Security Apprentice

Swindon Borough Council

Wiltshire (SN1 2JH)

Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026

Posted on 13 January 2026

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Contents

Summary

We are recruiting Security Apprentices to maintain a high standard of service to all Customers/Clients regarding patrols, guard duties and operating and monitoring of CCTV contracts.

Wage

£25,992 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Professional security operative (level 2)
Hours
We operate a 12 hour shift pattern covering days, nights and weekends.

37 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Duration

1 year

Positions available

4

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

The Security Officer role will include working on various sites in and around the Swindon area.

Both the Control Room and Security Officer duties will be based on a monthly roster in advance and you will also be require to be flexible to assist with holiday and sickness cover.

The role will include primarily working nights day shifts and  weekends but will also include other duties that will be issued and rostered accordingly.

Key Accountabilities: 

  • Carry out site security patrols and static guard duties as directed, operating and monitoring CCTV equipment where installed
  • Assist with checks on public and staff areas and report deficiencies to the appropriate officers
  • Control public and staff access to premises, checking ID cards where required
  • Assist with the securing of the buildings at the end of the operational day, and escort staff to their cars
  • Assist with emergency and evacuation procedures
  • Be aware of site intruder and fire alarm systems, and utilise the systems to ensure maximum security at all times
  • Deal with staff and members of the public in a professional manner, compatible with Council policy on customer care, handling difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
  • Provide emergency response to urgent calls via radio. Panic buttons
  • Patrol car parks
  • Undertake other duties that can be accommodated within the guarding level of the post
  • Respond to emergencies for all sites and deal with accordingly
  • Detail all entries into loss and records accordingly
  • While in CCTV control complete complexed logs for emergency situations in clear and precise format

Supplementary Accountabilities:

  • In accordance with the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 you must take reasonable care so as not to endanger yourself or other persons whilst at work
  • You must also co-operate with the Council to enable it to comply with its statutory duties for health and safety
  • You must work in accordance with training or instructions given, make proper use of any personal protective equipment provided and inform your manager of any hazardous situations or risks of which you are aware
  • You must ensure you undertake responsibilities relating to your position as detailed within your Directorate Health and Safety Policy

Where you'll work

Civic Offices
Euclid Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 2JH

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

MERCURY TRAINING SERVICES LTD

Training course

Professional security operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Follow assignment instructions relevant to operational duties.
  • Carry out work in compliance with all regulations, guidance, legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Use security systems, applications and software, technology and equipment in line with organisational and operational requirements.
  • Take action in the event of an incident, disruption, alarm activation or emergency, liaising with relevant people, escalating when necessary and recording actions and outcomes to meet guidance or organisational requirements.
  • Complete and maintain accurate documentation or reports to meet current legislation, guidance, or organisational requirements.
  • Challenge suspicious activities on or around the site and apply SCaN principles (see, check, and notify).
  • Deliver customer service to all stakeholders, responding to the needs of individuals.
  • Navigate a site plan or map of their working environment and areas.
  • Carry out observation of designated areas, report and record any irregularities mitigating security and safety threats.
  • Use digital communication applications and information management systems to communicate, learn, share, and record information.
  • Use personal protection equipment (PPE) correctly.
  • Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills (for example the 'Power of Hello’) when interacting with individuals.
  • Use an appropriate tone of voice in all communications that reflect the organisations or client’s values.
  • Contribute to review and improve the daily operating processes and procedures.
  • Defuse potential conflict situations.
  • Identify the component parts of explosive and incendiary items, firearms, and other prohibited items.
  • Carry out dynamic risk assessments at sites or locations.
  • Carry out various searches (for example, of areas, people, vehicles or items) in a operational security capacity.
  • Apply operational security access control systems, procedures, and forms of authorisation in crowded space environments or publicly accessible locations.
  • Identify, handle or potentially confiscate sensitive material, dangerous or prohibited items.
  • Patrol assigned areas for operational security to control access, detect and respond to unwanted activities, communicate, and report findings.
  • Deploy the correct type of barrier in an operational security context safely.
  • Carry out vehicle safety checks and basic maintenance on CViT vehicles.
  • Operate specially adapted vehicles' security system including load and unload mode.
  • Calculate the shortest and safest route between vehicle and collection point.
  • Read maps to find locations for CViT and re-route in case of traffic or diversions (paper map and/or sat nav technology).
  • Use communications and mapping equipment when operating a CViT vehicle.
  • Carry out various searches (for example, of areas, people, vehicles or items) in a mobile security capacity.
  • Patrol assigned areas for mobile security to control access, detect and respond to unwanted activities, communicate, and report findings.
  • Deploy correct type of barrier in a mobile security context safely.
  • Carry out vehicle safety checks and basic maintenance on mobile security vehicles.
  • Read maps to find locations for mobile security response and re-route in case of traffic or diversions (paper map and/or sat nav technology).
  • Use communications and mapping equipment when operating a mobile security vehicle.
  • Carry out various searches (for example, of areas, vehicles, or items) from the control room.
  • Apply control room access control systems, procedures, and forms of authorisation in crowded space environments or publicly accessible locations.
  • Scan and track assigned areas for control room to control access, detect and respond to unwanted activities, communicate, and report findings.
  • Deploy correct type of barrier in a control room context safely.
  • Identify and use components of a control room system.
  • Gather and store CCTV footage for evidential use.
  • Follow assignment instructions relevant to operational duties.
  • Carry out work in compliance with all regulations, guidance, legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Use security systems, applications and software, technology and equipment in line with organisational and operational requirements.
  • Take action in the event of an incident, disruption, alarm activation or emergency, liaising with relevant people, escalating when necessary and recording actions and outcomes to meet guidance or organisational requirements.
  • Complete and maintain accurate documentation or reports to meet current legislation, guidance, or organisational requirements.
  • Challenge suspicious activities on or around the site and apply SCaN principles (see, check, and notify).
  • Deliver customer service to all stakeholders, responding to the needs of individuals.
  • Navigate a site plan or map of their working environment and areas.
  • Carry out observation of designated areas, report and record any irregularities mitigating security and safety threats.
  • Use digital communication applications and information management systems to communicate, learn, share, and record information.
  • Use personal protection equipment (PPE) correctly.
  • Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills (for example the 'Power of Hello’) when interacting with individuals.
  • Use an appropriate tone of voice in all communications that reflect the organisations or client’s values.
  • Contribute to review and improve the daily operating processes and procedures.
  • Defuse potential conflict situations.
  • Identify the component parts of explosive and incendiary items, firearms, and other prohibited items.
  • Carry out dynamic risk assessments at sites or locations.

Training schedule

  • All training will take place during working hours
  • Programme uses a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face and online instruction
  • Standard visit format includes one in-person session every three months
  • Schedule will be customised to better accommodate individual learner needs
  • All learners will work on a project specific to their job role
  • Regular personal coaching and mentoring sessions provided
  • Monthly tutor meetings lasting approximately 2-3 hours
  • Formal review with the Mercury skills coach, learner and line manager every 8-weeks

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language (grade C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative

Other requirements

Minimum:

  • GCSE Grade C/4 or above or equivalent in English Language or proven ability to read and understand working instructions and accurately complete documentation
  • SIA Qualification cctv and guarding  
  • Excellent communication skills 
  • Driving licence
  • The ability to fill out complexed logs in emergency procedure     

 

Preferred:

  • Previous security experience
  • First Aid at Work qualification
  • Previous customer related (face to face) experience

About this employer

At Swindon Borough Council, we want our town to be the best it can be. As part of the Council, you’ll support a friendly local authority making decisions with real impact. It’s all for better public services. Better processes. And a better quality of life, for everyone. Join us, and Swindon will be better with you.

https://www.swindon.gov.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

  • A Permanent Role of Security Officer

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MERCURY TRAINING SERVICES LTD

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000008375.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026