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Security Guard: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Security guards watch out for problems.
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Word Meanings
What do security guards do?
Security guards work in offices, stores, apartment buildings, airports, hospitals and other places. They check inside and outside buildings. They watch out for problems. For example, a person may try to steal something.
Meet a security guard
Al is a security guard. He works at an office building.
Here are things that Al does:
- He walks around the building. At night, he checks doors and windows. He makes sure the doors are locked. He looks for damage.
- He watches a video screen. He can see the people at the doors and near the elevators.
- People ask Al how to find an office in the building. He tells them how to get there.
- People tell Al when they feel worried about something. For example, one person is shouting at another person. Al tells the person to stop shouting. If they don’t stop, Al tells them to leave the building.
- Sometimes, Al works outside. He drives around the building and the parking lot.
- Sometimes, Al calls the police. For example, a person hits a wall or a table. Al wants to stay safe. The police help that person leave.
- Al has a record book. He writes the time he checks the building and parking lot. He writes notes about things that happen.
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Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg
What is a security guard’s work like?
Al works shifts. Sometimes he works at night. He often works on weekends and holidays. He wears a uniform.
Al often works alone. At night, the building is very quiet. When Al works during the day, he talks to more people.
Sometimes Al calls the police or fire department. His job can be stressful if there are serious problems. Al sometimes feels worried.
Al works indoors and outdoors. He stands and walks a lot. He sits when he watches a computer screen and drives around the property.
Do you want to be a security guard?
- You must be 18 years old or older.
- You must be healthy and strong.
- You must be able to understand and follow rules.
- You must be able to stand, walk and sit for long periods. You must be able to pay close attention.
- You may work alone. You may work with a team.
- You have to be calm if there is an emergency. For example, a fire.
- You must be able to write notes in a record book.
- You may need to speak to people and give them help. For example, directions.
- You must be honest. You must not have a criminal record.
What education do security guards need?
- Security guards need a licence. They must pass a special 40-hour training course. Some people take a different training course. They get a certificate or diploma.
- Many employers want security guards to have a high school diploma. Security guards need to speak and write English. It can help if they speak another language as well.
- They need to have good references. For example, a letter from their last employer.
- For some jobs, security guards need a first aid certificate and CPR training. They might need a driver’s licence.
What can security guards do in the future?
Security guards can work in many different places. Some security guards work in large buildings or stores.
Some security guards work for security companies. They work anywhere their employer sends them.
Some security guards drive to different places. For example, they check large construction sites. These security guards may need their own car.
Some security guards become supervisors. Others learn to work with dogs. Some become bodyguards.
Some security guards move to related jobs. For example, police officers or border guards.
How much does a security guard make?
As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.
Other jobs to think about
You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like security guard.
Do you want more information?
Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.
You will see some red words on this page. Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.
Updated Oct 16, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.
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