Becoming a licenced security guard in Ontario is the initial stride towards either a future career in security, customs and border protection or bylaw enforcement or even another field. After obtaining your security guard licence, the crucial next step is selecting the ideal security guard company to shape your professional journey. The choice of company can significantly influence the trajectory of your career, and we’re here to guide you in making an informed decision. This blog post outlines the key considerations for selecting a security guard company in Ontario.
Verify Ministry Approval:
When researching potential security guard companies, it’s imperative to ensure that they are legally authorized to train and employ security guards. Companies licenced and regulated by the government, specifically The Ministry of The Solicitor General, offer stability and safety for workers. Working for an unlicenced company can result in complications such as unpaid wages, inadequate benefits, subpar training, and even unsafe work conditions. Always confirm that they have a security agency licence with the Ministry. It should be publicly displayed in their office. The list of licenced agencies is also available on the Service Ontario website. Ontario Security Hub is a Ministry licenced security agency and delivers online security guard training.
Explore Work Culture and Environment:
Beyond legal compliance, delve into the company’s internal work culture, environment, job benefits, advancement prospects, and hourly wages. Begin by exploring the company’s website to grasp its values and work atmosphere. Does the company prioritize safety and growth? Is it employee-centric? Additionally, connect with friends or family members working for the company to gain honest insights into the working culture. For those without such connections, platforms like GlassDoor provide valuable reviews from verified current or past employees, shedding light on the company’s management, culture, and work environment.
Attend Job Fairs:
Job Fairs offer an excellent opportunity to directly engage with HR representatives and gather essential information about the company’s hiring process and work environment. Attending a Job Fair armed with a polished resume, prepared questions, and appropriate attire can leave a lasting impression on recruiters. Remember, Job Fairs serve both educational and recruitment purposes, so making a positive impact could even lead to a job offer on the spot.
Union Relations:
Consider the security guard company’s relationship with unions and the unionized positions they offer. Unions play a crucial role in safeguarding workers’ rights and enhancing work environments. Companies with positive union relationships tend to prioritize employee well-being. As the presence of unions, such as United Steel Workers and United Food and Commercial Workers grows within the Security Guard sector, joining a company that maintains a strong union relationship is a sign of their commitment to employee welfare.
In Conclusion:
Selecting the right Security Guard Company involves comprehensive research and evaluation. Ensuring the company’s Ministry approval, exploring work culture and environment through various sources, attending Job Fairs, and considering the company’s union relations are pivotal steps in making a well-informed decision. By incorporating these aspects into your decision-making process, you’ll be better equipped to identify solid Security Guard positions that align with your career aspirations. Once you’ve found the ideal opportunities, apply directly through the company’s online portal, contact HR via email, or reach out to hiring representatives, accompanied by a concise resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. We trust that this guide will aid aspiring guards in embarking on a safe and promising career journey within the industry. Not a Licensed Security Guard in Ontario? Start your online training today by making an account on our website if you are currently eligible to work in Canada. We are a licenced security guard training organization in Ontario. You can confirm on the Ministry’s website directly.
I wanted to express my gratitude for this informative blog post. Your detailed guidance on choosing the right Security Guard Company in Ontario is invaluable. Great work!