Most people don’t realise there is a need for security officers across a range of industries in QLD, and huge opportunity for progression into senior leadership roles. A security guard course is often the first step, and it opens more doors than most people expect.
It’s not just a job people fall into. Becoming a security officer can be a highly fulfilling and rewarding career path, from entry-level officer through to specialist and supervisory roles, with pay that often reflects the progression.
Here’s what that path actually looks like.
Why Security Is Worth Considering for School Leavers
Security is worth a look for career liaisons in schools and students finishing school, weighing up what comes next. It offers a faster route into work than a university degree and gives school leavers a chance to start earning sooner, with roles across major events like concerts, festivals, and sporting fixtures. Students can also work as a security officer while completing their university degree.
It’s a common misconception that the work is limited to major events or licensed venues. However, it goes well beyond that, security officers are also needed at shopping centres, construction sites, hospitals, office buildings, carparks, transport hubs, warehouses, government offices, and apartment complexes. For a school leaver planning a career rather than picking up casual shifts, taking into account progression and the varied roles and industries matters.
School leavers can even do the entry-level security officer course, CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations, while in school and apply for their security license as soon as they turn 18, which gives them the best opportunity to enter the industry before or after they finish school.
A Growing Industry with Real Demand
Security currently employs more than 180,000 people across Australia, with 3% annual growth forecast through to 2028. In Queensland specifically, the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, plus ongoing infrastructure investment across the state, points to sustained demand for security professionals over the coming years.
Step 1: Getting In
The starting point for a career in security in Queensland, is the CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations, a nationally recognised qualification, required to work in most frontline security roles. At ATI, government funding is available under the Career Start Program for eligible participants, which can bring the cost down to $14–$25. There is a week of face-to-face practical work (plus pre-course theory) that covers risk assessment, crowd management, conflict resolution, and security screening.
It’s a reasonable fit whether you’re:
- Finishing school and want to start earning sooner than a degree would allow
- Changing careers
- A mature-age job seeker
- Eligible for government funding
With this qualification and a licence, you’re eligible to apply for roles including Security Officer, Crowd Controller, and Monitoring Officer.
Depending on where you want to work, you may need additional tickets alongside your security qualification:
- White Card — required for anyone working on a construction site
- RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) + RSG (Responsible Service of Gambling) Courses — required for security officers working in bars, clubs, or casinos
- Batons and Handcuffs Training — required if your employer needs you to carry and use this equipment while on duty
These tickets are all worth thinking about early if you want to apply for a range of roles or know what kind of work you want to apply for.
Step 2: Where It Can Go From There
This is the part that doesn’t always get explained upfront — security has a real progression structure, not just a single-entry point:
- Security Officer — the typical starting role once you have your CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations and a Queensland Security Licence
- Specialise — further training opens up more specific roles:
- Cash in Transit Officer (CPPSSS00061 Cash in Transit Skill Set)
- Armed Security Officer (Armed Security Guard Weapons training)
- Close Protection / Bodyguard (CPP31418 Certificate III in Close Protection Operations, leading to a bodyguard-endorsed security licence)
- CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations — the next qualification for those wanting to move into leadership
- Team Leader / Supervisor — the typical outcome for those with a Certificate III and experience in the field
On salary: market data published on Seek Security Officer roles in Queensland typically sit at $80,000–$90,000, rising to $85,000–$105,000 for Team Leader and Supervisor roles. Actual pay can vary significantly depending on the role, site, employer, and experience, but it gives a realistic insight into what the average salary is.
Security Career Progression Pathway
| Stage | Qualification / Requirement | Typical QLD Salary* |
| Entry qualification | CPP20218 Certificate II in Security Operations (government funding available) | |
| Licensing | Queensland Security Licence | – |
| Entry role | Security Officer | $80,000 – $90,000 (Full Time) |
| Specialise — Cash in Transit | CPPSSS00061 Cash in Transit Skill Set | – |
| Specialise — Armed Security | Armed Security Guard Weapons training | – |
| Specialise — Close Protection | CPP31418 Certificate III in Close Protection Operations (bodyguard) | – |
| Progression qualification | CPP31318 Certificate III in Security Operations | – |
| Senior role | Team Leader / Supervisor | $85,000 – $105,000 |
Salary figures are based on market information published on Seek at the time of writing and may vary depending on role, experience, site conditions, and market demand.
What Support Looks Like After the Course
Finishing a qualification and upskilling is one part of building a career, getting into the right role is the other. ATI works with employers in the security industry to keep training aligned with what the workforce actually needs, and where possible we aim to connect students with employers. We have had students who have previously entered the workforce quickly after receiving their licence with our industry connections.
In practical terms, that means:
- Training that reflects current industry requirements, not just a generic curriculum
- Visibility into what employers are actually looking for
- Support connecting students with employers in ATI’s partner network
- Course pathways designed around long-term progression, not a single certificate
Security Industry Connections ATI Works With
Get in Touch
If you’re weighing up a career in security, explore courses and get in touch to talk through the security guard course pathways and career progression, and government funding options.
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