I am asked this question on an almost daily basis. 20 years ago It was easy ; when myself and Peter Consterdine were involved in training there were only one or two companies offering anything like realistic training that would hold up in the real world. Things have changed, the last time I looked on the Security Industry Authority website there were 79 registered training providers. Clearly some of these will be better that others, I have cut the list from the SIA website and pasted it below.
Have you trained with any of these organisations? How was it?, did you feel that it was good value for money, please feel free to leave comments below.
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| Adro Partnership | City & Guilds | Gloucester | 01452 886410 | |||
| Advanced Safety Training Services | Edexcel | West Malling | 0800 0897055 | |||
| AKE Ltd | Edexcel | Hereford | 01432 267 111 | |||
| Akona Limited | Edexcel | Widnes | 020 7978 1190 | |||
| AMA Associates | Edexcel | Chorley | 01257 231 172 | |||
| Amerex Security | Edexcel | London | 0800 496 1215 | |||
| Anubis Associates Ltd | Buckinghamshire New University | Hereford | 01432 851656 | |||
| APG Security | Edexcel | Manchester | 0161 653 3141 | |||
| Argus Europe Ltd | Edexcel | Hartlepool | 01429 839293 | |||
| Armour Group International PLC/Phoenix | City & Guilds | Lugwardine | 01432 850223 | |||
| Blue Wings Training and Employment | Edexcel | Wolverhampton | 01902 422315 | |||
| Britam Defence Ltd | City & Guilds | London | 020 7610 0111 | |||
| Change Security | Edexcel | London | 020 7397 8351 | |||
| CIA Excel Group | Edexcel | Belfast | 028 90530160 | |||
| Clearwater Special Projects | Edexcel | Shrewsbury | 01743 719 109 | |||
| Clearwater Special Projects | Buckinghamshire New University | Shrewsbury | 01743 719109 | |||
| Close Protection Operations | Edexcel | London | 020 7993 6032 | |||
| Condition Training | Edexcel | Bacup | 01706 876900 | |||
| Confederation of Professional Licensees | Edexcel | Birkenhead | 0151 6506910 | |||
| Control Risks Group Ltd | Edexcel | London | 020 7970 2211 | |||
| Controlled Training Solutions | Edexcel | Manchester | 0161 868 8183 | |||
| CTR Services Ltd | Buckinghamshire New University | Norwich | 01493 888356 | |||
| Delta Security Limited | City & Guilds | Wotton-Under-Edge | 01453 520 034 | |||
| Emergency Response Services | Edexcel | Hereford | 01432 271 584 | |||
| Emergency Response Services | Edexcel | Merseyside | 07050 377955 | |||
| Exclusafe Ltd | Edexcel | Manchester | 0161 748 1354 | |||
| Genric Security Training | Edexcel | Hereford | 0870 429 4770 | |||
| Goose CP | City & Guilds | Hereford | 01432 268606 | |||
| Greymans | Edexcel | Reading | 0870 7668424 | |||
| Interconnective | Edexcel | High Wycombe | 01494 446935 | |||
| Longmoor Group | Buckinghamshire New University | London | 020 7947 3306 | |||
| Meido Ltd | Edexcel | London | 020 7372 9866 | |||
| Mercury Associates Ltd | Edexcel | Huddersfield | 01484 423358 | |||
| New College Swindon | Edexcel | Swindon | 01793 611 470 | |||
| NFPS Ltd | Edexcel | Hayling Island | 023 924 60815 | |||
| NIBSSS | Buckinghamshire New University | Lisburn | 02892 668486 | |||
| North Devon College | Edexcel | Barnstable | 01271 338025 | |||
| Northern Ireland Seals | City & Guilds | Belfast | 028 9048 7766 | |||
| Octaga Security Services Ltd | Edexcel | Iver Heath | 01432 890592 | |||
| Olive Group (UK) Limited | City & Guilds | London | 020 7201 5560 | |||
| Olive Security Training Centre LLC (USA) | City & Guilds | USA | 001 662 449 4344 | |||
| Olympus Security Ltd | Buckinghamshire New University | Cheltenham | 01242 255383 | |||
| One Touch Training | Edexcel | Enfield | 0870 034 7333 | |||
| Paragon CP | City & Guilds | Colwyn Bay | 01492 583050 | |||
| PDM/SAT Team | Edexcel | Newtownnards | 028 918 19996 | |||
| Principle Training Services | City & Guilds | West Bromwich | 0121 525 8984 | |||
| Professional Bodyguard Association | Edexcel | Willington | 07896 740090 | |||
| Professional Witnesses Ltd | Edexcel | Manchester | 01942 889998 | |||
| Protective Security International Ltd | Edexcel | Tidworth | 01980 849 495 | |||
| Response Security Training Ltd | Edexcel | London | 020 7580 3419 | |||
| Risks Contained Ltd | Edexcel | Southampton | 08704 285 797 | |||
| Ronin Concepts Ltd | Edexcel | Hereford | 01432 355 414 | |||
| Ronin Protective Services | City & Guilds | County Down | 028 9039 5918 | |||
| Ronin Protective Services (South Africa) | City & Guilds | South Africa | 028 9039 5918 | |||
| Safe and Secure Training | City & Guilds | Newport | 07967 967471 | |||
| Safe and Secure Training | Edexcel | Newport | 07967 967471 | |||
| Safe and Sound UK Ltd | City & Guilds | Trowbridge | 01225 774 008 | |||
| Satt Limited | Edexcel | Batley | 01924 502 458 | |||
| Security Industry Associates Ltd | Edexcel | Grimsby | 01472 580147 | |||
| Security Training Centre (UK) Ltd | Edexcel | Gainsborough | 01427 619521 | |||
| Shadow Security & Surveillance Ltd | Edexcel | Bromley | 0800 0567468 | |||
| Shield Security Consultants | Buckinghamshire New University | Stoke on Trent | 01785 226604 | |||
| Shield Security Consultants | Edexcel | Stafford | 01785 226604 | |||
| Show and Event Security Ltd | Edexcel | Enfield | 020 8804 5058 | |||
| Sion Resources Ltd | Buckinghamshire New University | Charing | 01233 714008 | |||
| Specialist Security & Training Ltd | Edexcel | London | 020 8460 8884 | |||
| SRS International Group Ltd | Edexcel | Hereford | 08702 405146 | |||
| SST Facilities | Edexcel | Sevenoaks | 0845 617 0070 | |||
| Success Training | City & Guilds | Glasgow | 0141 248 2850 | |||
| Symbionet Security Services | Edexcel | London | 020 7231 7677 | |||
| Task International | Edexcel | London | 0114 2702498 | |||
| Task Intersec Ltd | City & Guilds | Northern Ireland | 028 437 51234 | |||
| The Anvil Group | City & Guilds | Belfast | 028 90 394 121 | |||
| The Leadership Development Centre | Edexcel | Salford | 0161 278 2413 | |||
| The Nemesis Group | Buckinghamshire New University | Warwickshire | 0870 141 7277 | |||
| The Security Training Academy Ltd | City & Guilds | Norwich | 0845 230 8550 | |||
| The Whelan Corporation | Edexcel | Pontefract | 01977 648394 | |||
| Universal Security Solutions Ltd | Edexcel | Preston | 01772 712900 | |||
| Wilplan Training Ltd | Edexcel | Wigan | 0845 0095647 | |||
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Wow, so many training training providers. Can you narrow it down a bit for us. There are bound to be some much better than others among this lot.
One company I wouldn’t recommend is Task International, I had planned to do two courses with them. The first they gave me wrong dates despite me phoning them to point out that the dates they gave, did not match up to the days i.e Sunday 13th May, when the 13th May was actually a Tuesday. So I missed some training and had to take extra days off work. The second course i was meant to be doing with them i was not informed of it been cancelled until i phoned them up, they had received and cashed my cheque 2 months earlier. I only received my money back after about a month of constant phone calls, and the threatening legal action. I was given a range of appalling excuses, 10/10 for them. The best was “they did not have my number to confirm my name or the amount” despite the lady calling me to tell me this and calling me by name when I answered the phone. I’m still waiting for the apology they promised.
I completed the CP and Hostile Environment course with Control Risks. An excellent course provided by top notch instructors who have been there and done it. After successfully completing both courses i was offered employment on a long term contract with the company. I have been with control risks for a year now, and am so glad i chose the route into this industry with them. I honestly believe I recieved the best training the industry has to offer after hearing what other CPO’s have to say about training courses they had attended. So my reccommendation is CRG for training and that all important first job!!
Andy
In response to the comment made by Dave above:
I have been on two course’s with Task International and WOULD recommend them.
The courses they teach are well structured and very professional. I had no problems with the booking system either.
The venues were also very good and a great learning environment. The instructors are top of their fields and great at passing on their experience.
completed course with clear water totally inadaquate this course will put the operatror and the principle in danger
it seems to be one of the pass no problem courses, i learned nothing from this course i didnt know already from my previous skill and knowledge in the field,
the SIA appears to be a money making scheme and clearwater are just a business wanting the money a lot of money
accomodation was provided with the course price i can say that the accomodation was very good.
on a final note i beleive 90% of these operastors from this course provider wil not be working in the field in a years time
hi all been wanting to do some good quality training for a couple of years and now the time is right has anyone got any feedback on nemisis group thanks in advance….pip
Hi everyone,Please has anyone already heard about CRI Training school in Las Vegas,USA?Thanks
Recently completed the Longmoor Group Course and loved every minute – what a great course.
The accommodation was top notch. Each person had a single man room with ensuite.
The lead instructor was excellent and used to protect the head of the British Army and US Generals – A great pedigree. I was fortunate enough to be taught driving by the recently retired driver for the Head of the British Army.
The range package was the best ever and nothing like I have ever done.
A great course by great instructors. I am buzzing from it and advise any budding young CPO to attend.
I did my training wiv clearwalter n loved every min of it but got no work still hold sia close protection badge 4the past 8months can some1 help me out here plz contact me on 07867763101 I’m based in stoke on trent 8years experience in security industry
I have recently completed a course with Mercury Associates, and can honestly say that it was well structured ,presented, and excellent value.
My tutor gave of his time(even out of hours),and his wealth of experience was inspirational.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Mercury Associates to anyone wishing to enter the world of close protection.
I recently attended a BTEC level 3 in close protection with a company that is listed above (Mercury Associates).
I researched other companies before choosing them, and made several telephone enquiries. I felt that Mercury Associates were extremely helpful and professional. When I attended the training, I found it extremely informative and the trainer, Andrew Iles was very positive, helpful and continuously guided me throughout the course. After completing it, I felt like I had understood and digested so much as well as being trained to a high standard. I intend to enrol on other courses with Mercury Associates in the future for further development, and would highly recomend them to anyone currently working or planning a career as a CPO.
Omar Ismail
I did a City and guilds Close protection course. I did research and lots of calling etc. I finally did it with Paragon-cp/paragon-close-protection.
I can honestly say that it was a wise decision doing it with them. They were very helpful, even before i even started the course. The instructors are operational so you get up to date training. From day one the instructors were on hand 24-7 if needed, they made themselves very approachable and without doubt know their stuff. I was a bit wary of doing a course as i am not ex military and thought it would be run a military way—- how wrong i was, they made it very interesting, fun and i thoroughly enjoyed it. I since have had work from them.. Anyone looking for training look no further…these are the real deal !!!!
I have just done a cpo course with mercury associate uk i found the tutor to be knowledgeable and approachable.
He used his experience to help me through the course
He understood that it had been a while since I had been in a learning enviroment
The course material well thought out and easy to comprehend and the advice that was given after the course had finished and the practical experiance that was given will help in my hopefully new career many thanks to andy and his great team
I am interested in doing a CP course, I have been toying with the idea for a few years now since i got out the army. I have been looking at CRT training, Has anyone done a course with them? and if so how was the outcome(did you manage to find work) with their qualification?
Hi Guys / Girls
I have just completed a course with Mercury Associates
The course was easy and good fun, I got a 100% pass mark on my examination thanks to their help.
Would reccomend
I have spoken to Craig the director of the Proffesional Bodyguard Association (PBA) he tells me that PBA have a new group of credable CP instructors on board, I have seen the profile of the PBA Instructors they are all credable Instructors and are all well respected on todays circuit.
I would not esitate to enquire about training with PBA, I notice That one of their new Instructors is Andrew Iles whom plenty of guys say he is a gent, he as trained them and also put them into employment thats must mean a lot to new Personal Protection Officer. Other CP Instructors are Graham Freeman, Bob Podesta & Pete Walne (SAS)..do I need to say anymore
I take it from the above comment that Andy lles has left mercury associates can anyone confirm this? Is mercury andys own company. thanks
Hi Kevin, Andy still runs Mercury and also remains committed to helping other CP training companys with thier training courses. Andy is currently on a CP tasking till Nov 2010. Hope this helps stay safe.
Personal security by its nature is often a very sensitive issue. Regalis Group assures all its clients of total discretion, loyalty and professionalism prior to, during and upon completion of any protection assignment.
Regalis Group offers a variety of high quality close protection services to ensure the personal security of prominent clients, VIP’s, corporations and organisations worldwide. These services can be inconspicuous (low-key) or very conspicuous, as the client desires.
Regalis Group operatives and associates have been involved in the protection of some of the most high profile and influential individuals throughout the world, including various Royal families, Diplomats and High Profile Personalities from the business and entertainment worlds.
All operatives are drawn from Military, Police or Civilians from specialist security backgrounds and are trained to the highest standards in the industry. All personnel have extensive experience and are well versed in dealing with high risk situations. They are also Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed.
Regalis Group employs both male and female personnel for close protection duties. All our security operatives are well mannered, intelligent and able to deal discreetly with any situation which may arise.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT US AT http://WWW.REGALISGROUP.CO.UK
Stay safe.
Regards,
Regalis Group
I have completed my course with Regalis Group. They were extremly professional and friendly with participants. They also offer employment opportunities on the completion of the Close Protection Course. I would strongy recommend their trainin package.
Thank you
Ed