From the buzz of late-night hospitality venues and glamour of luxury retailers, to the excitement of major public and red-carpet events, security work offers a front-row seat to a sometimes completely different side of life.
Cafer, from Islington, first stepped into that world almost a year ago, joining award winning security solutions provider SecuriGroup Ltd (SGL). As one of more than 60 previously unemployed Restart Scheme participants recruited through Ingeus by SGL, it was the encouragement of the Ingeus team that helped him make that first step. He has since become a firm favourite with managers and customers at some of London’s hottest venues. He’s primed for management and regularly returns to Ingeus to help open the door to SGL opportunities for others.
“I was out of work for about seven months and didn’t really know which route to take, thinking I’d probably go back to catering,” says 38 year-old Cafer. “I didn’t think I had the qualifications or aptitude for security work but I’m very calm and like being around people so Mohammed and Gabriela at Ingeus encouraged me. They made the process very easy and introduced me to Connor at SGL who gave me a really good overview of the role, before I completed my accredited training.
“I was soon working at doors all over London, quickly stepping up to head doorman at one venue. I’ve joined the red carpet team at a Royal event and am shadowing Connor, returning to share my experiences and promote SGL’s roles to other Ingeus participants. It can be a really fascinating job and I’m amazed where it’s taken me. I am keen to progress further but, in the meantime, I really enjoy meeting all the regulars at my venues – some have become friends – and making sure everyone enjoys their night out.”
SGL’s area manager Connor oversees the company’s nightclub, pub and bar contracts across London. Having himself progressed from a frontline role, he says Cafer is an asset to the business:
“Cafer has flourished since joining us, he’s like two different people. He began shy, unsure what he wanted to do, but his character soon shone through. He’s confident, keen to learn and 100 percent committed to customer care. He knows the names of all his local clientele and our venue managers love having him on their doors. I can confidently rely on him to do a great job and really value his input when we go back for Ingeus recruitment events.”
SGL has been working with the Restart Scheme in London for 18 months and now attends Ingeus sites monthly across Central and West London. With more than 4,000 staff nationwide and prominent venues including the Royal Albert Hall and sports stadiums in their care, the demand for quality people with good customer service skills is constant.
“Ingeus takes care to understand our requirements,” adds Connor, “it’s about the quality of applicants, not the quantity. I give an honest overview of our roles when I speak to participants – working in security can be challenging but give it time and the right attitude and it’s surprising what you get from it. The Ingeus team is amazing at ensuring applicants have appropriate documentation and a genuine interest in our business. The employment advisors also support people with the vetting and training process that they access through the SecuriGroup app – they’re there at every stage to help people, like Cafer, find their feet.”
