New Year, New Career!
- TOS Owner
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
By Kathie Brooks, Tip of Spear ABST Instructor
Happy 2026! As we’re out with the old and in with the new, many of us are wondering where the last few years have gone. We’ve learned that the time to try something new – the time for a new challenge – is now! So what about a career in the security field?
Advantages
There’s something for everyone!
As a licenced security professional, you can work full time, part time, casual, days, or nights. There’s a job for people who like to be active all the time, and there is something for those who prefer to work in a more predictable environment. There really is a job for everyone!
2. There’s security in security!
Being a licenced security professional can be great job security. In fact, unlike most industries, the tougher economic times get, the more demand there is for security services. You’ll probably have the opportunity to work as many shifts as you want; there really is security in this field!
3. It’s a great steppingstone!
Working as a licenced security professional can lead to related careers as management in private or corporate security, corrections personnel, fish and wildlife, transit, or parking enforcement, private investigations, EPS, RCMP, CSIS and more!
The practical experience you gain in security can be applied to almost any area of your personal and professional life – no matter where you work!
Requirements
Outstanding written communication skills:
Reading and understanding your post orders is an essential part of doing your job effectively, and meeting the overall expectations of your employer, the client, and the general public.
Professionally documenting situations and related information at the time they occur is important to ensure the evidence is available in the future – long after your memory has faded. In the security industry we say, “If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen!”
There may be situations where your notes are used in court, so it is absolutely critical that they are accurate, complete and uncompromised!
Superior verbal communication skills:
Being an effective security professional requires you to interact with members of the public in a variety of circumstances and ways. You will offer basic information to many people, provide clear explanations to others, solve complicated issues for some and, on occasion, give direction to individuals who may not want to do as they are being asked!
Using verbal and non-verbal means, you must be able to communicate your message in a way that is clearly understood and a positive reflection on yourself, the company, and the industry you represent.
Even when someone is challenging your authority and the boundaries which have been established by your client, you must be able to communicate in a way that gains their cooperation and compliance.
Confidence:
You must demonstrate a realistic, quiet, inner knowledge that you are capable of effectively managing anything that comes along, whether it is something you’ve dealt with many times before or a brand-new situation.
Feeling sure of yourself and of your abilities, without thinking you are superior to others, will give them a feeling that they can rely on you and trust what you say.
Self-motivation and attention to detail:
Those who are most successful in the security field are committed to learning, meeting, and exceeding the expectations of the job because of their own interests, not because someone else is telling them what to do.
You will clearly recognise when to work independently and when to involve others.
You must be situationally aware at all times and consistently notice even the smallest details. You strive to understand how changes in your environment impact the security of your site overall, and the safety of those visiting and working there.
Flexibility:
Security often begins as an entry level position, which provides a great chance to prove you are dependable, reliable, and excited to learn. Once you demonstrate your care and flexibility, you will quickly gain knowledge and experience. In turn, this often leads to increased responsibility and opportunities for advancement.
When you’re willing to commit to the process of continuous improvement within the security industry, there will be no stopping you!
Getting Started
To work as a security guard in the province of Alberta, you must have an Alberta Security Services licence. Tip of Spear will help you with the three required steps:
1. Take the government-required Alberta Basic Security Training course in-class or on-line. (See ‘Learning Options’ below to decide which works best for you.) Our 40-hour course is accredited through Alberta Justice and Solicitor General and covers all the material you need to know to…
2. Take and pass your licencing exam, so you can…
3. Apply for your Alberta Security Services licence and, when it’s received, start working in the security industry!
Learning Options:
In-Class | On-Line |
Instructor teaches the material using a variety of methods | Independent learning |
Instructor explains complex concepts using real-life examples | Learn when it’s most convenient for you |
Instructor reinforces critical information | Learn at your own pace |
Instructor is available for group discussion or one-on-one questions | It’s easy to combine with a busy schedule |
You can start building a network of peers in the industry! | It’s a good option if you’ve previously worked in the industry |
Interested in a new career this year? Does the security field sound like it might be a good fit for you? Click on https://www.tipofspearsecuritytraining.ca/to learn more and get started today.
We’d love to welcome you aboard!
