Security and the armed services » Employment sector information » 16+ courses - Making the right decision » Learning

The security and armed service sector covers the armed forces, the police and fire services and the private security industry.

9.3% of the workforce is employed in public administration and defence in the Huntingdonshire area.

Close to half a million people work in the UK security business sector, from security guards and door supervisors, through to close protection officers and alarm installation engineers.

Most prison officers are employed by the Prison Service, run by the Government. In the UK there are approximately 29,600 prison officers. There are also some private prisons.

Although women can now hold almost the same roles as men within the armed forces, some restrictions still apply. In the army, for example, women are excluded from ground combat.

There are national skills shortages for defence medical service; aircrew; submariners and Royal Signals. While no formal educational qualifications are necessary for many jobs in this sector, applicants are required to pass various entrance tests.

What we think will happen

The Royal Navy, Marines and Army will continue to face recruitment shortages.

There will be an increase in demand for people to work in the security services. Protecting businesses against theft, data loss and terrorism are growth areas both in terms of employment and technological innovation.

The Government wants to increase the role of civilian police staff (people who work for the police but are not police officers) to give police officers more time to carry out front-line duties. This will increase the opportunities available to civilian police staff.

The justice sector in the UK (custodial care, community justice and police) employs approximately 560,000. Employment levels are predicted to increase to about 573,000 by 2014.

New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced in the next three years. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Public Services Diploma which will be available from September 2010.

Is this you?

Desire to serve your community or country
Physical fitness, stamina and courage
Good team member
Able to deal with difficult situations

What 16 year olds did in 2008

In 2008 a total of 504 year 11 school leavers from local schools started full-time employment or work-based training. Of this number, 20 people started work in the armed services. Nearly 4% of all year 11 local school leavers went into this sort of work.