Are you excited and ready to start a career as a security guard but you don't have the money to pay for the training? We have worked hard to put together partnerships with local organizations that provide financial and social assistance for individuals to take the Alberta security guard training and get started in their career as a security guard. Whether you need help paying for some training, guidance improving your resume or getting placed in a job, we have some incredible organizations who can help fund your training with Tip of Spear so you can start working as a guard as soon as possible!
The first step is to check to make sure you meet the minimum government requirements to get your Security Services Licence.
Next, figure out which organization would best be able to support you based on your current situation. There are local organizations in Alberta that can support you if you are:
Read the sections that are most applicable to you for more information including what the programs offer, eligibility and how to register for them.
A Canadian Armed Forces Veteran
If you previously served in the Canadian Armed Forces, there are a couple of programs available through the Government of Canada to help you train and start working in a different career.
Vocational rehabilitation - for veterans who have a temporary or permanent health issue related to your service that prevents your full participation at work or home or in the community. This program offers financial support for training (Alberta Security Guard Training qualifies) and related costs (such as your security guard licence application)
Education and Training Benefit (ETB) - for veterans who have been honourably released from the Canadian Armed Forces on or after April 1 2006, or are a member of the Supplementary Reserve, AND you have at least 2,191 paid days of service, available up to 10 years after your date of release. This program offers financial assistance for training to change careers (Alberta Security Guard Training qualifies!)
A Citizen of an Indigenous Nation
If you are a citizen of an Indigenous Nation, you may have access to subsidized career training. Contact your band's administration office to find out if they will cover the cost of your security guard training. They may ask you for an information sheet with the course description and cost, which Tip of Spear is happy to provide by request.
To qualify for the program, you must be:
18 years of age or older
A current resident of Alberta
A citizen of an Indigenous Nation
To register, please contact your local band's administration office and ask if they would cover your security guard training with Tip of Spear.
New to Canada
If you are new to Canada and are looking for a good paying job that requires minimal education, then Action for Healthy Communities (A4HC) can help. They pay for your security and safety training and provide additional free skills training about Canadian language, culture and workplace to help you be successful in your job. They even refer you to partnering security companies who regularly hire new staff to get you an interview.
Free training for those who qualify for the program includes:
ABST classroom training (40 hours) + government exam
Tactical Communications
Safety training: ProServe, WHMIS, CSTS20, First Aid & Mental Health First Aid
Workplace Culture & Intercultural Skills Training
Targeted Essential Skills training – specifics determined by consultation with employers
To qualify for the program, you must be:
18 years of age or older
Live in Edmonton or surrounding areas
Permanent resident status in Canada
Language assessment of CLB 5 or more with strong speaking and listening skills (if you are not sure, A4HC can assess you)
You must be financially able to pay for Criminal Background check, passport photo and Alberta Security License Fees (approximately $250)
To register, please send an email to Mark asking to participate in the Security Guard Program: mark.chaney@a4hc.ca
Received/Receiving Employment Income
If you are currently on EI or have been on EI in the past, Manpower's Career Leap provides full support to remove obstacles in getting a job. If you are having a hard time transitioning into a security career from other careers, or want to transition out of your current career into security, they can help. They provide free security or private investigation training, and workshops and coaching to improve your resume and interview skills. Career Leap even helps you get matched with a potential employer. They accept 30 participants per month, and if they can't help, then they can refer you to other programs who can.
To qualify for the program, you must be:
18 years of age or older
A current resident of Alberta
Legally entitled to work in Canada: Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee status
Currently in receipt of EI, EI Reachback (have received EI in the last 5 years) or Eligible for EI
Currently unemployed or marginally employed (only working part-time)
Ready, willing, and able to participate in full time employment
To register, please email your resume to: info.edmonton@careerleap.ca
Injured from a Previous Job and receiving WCB Benefits
If you were injured from a previous job and are working with Workers Compensation Board to heal and get back to work, they provide access to fully-funded training programs and a placement in a security job. If you can't work in the same manner as before, a security career may be an option to explore. WCB wants to help you get back to work so you can resume your self-sufficiency and your dignity.
Free training for those who qualify for the program includes:
ABST classroom training (40 hours) + government exam
Tactical Communications
Defensive Tactics (PPCT)
Situational Awareness Specialist
Tactical First Aid & Standard First Aid
To qualify for the program, you must be:
18 years of age or older
A current resident of Alberta
Actively working with WCB on your open case
To register, talk to your case manager and re-employment specialist and tell them that you'd like to enrol in the Security Train and Place Program.
A CLAC Union Member
If you are a member of the CLAC Union, you are eligible for discounted or free security training, depending on your employer. Login to your account to see what kind of benefits you qualify for.
To register, login to your account at https://www.clac.ca/ and search for security training.