Wanted: More security guards!

Regal Security Inc. files request with the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services so that temporary unlicensed security guards are able to work during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Unemployment is expected to soar well over 20 percent across the country in a matter of days due to layoffs and economic uncertainty in the wake of COVID-19.

However, one thing is certain during these unprecedented times: the security guard industry will be in even higher demand than ever before as an increasing number of businesses and organizations are seeking innovative solutions to protect their properties, people, and assets.

This is why Nick Vetere, the founder and CEO of Regal Security Inc. in Toronto, has filed a formal request with Sylvia Jones, the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, so that security guard firms in Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) can hire temporary unlicensed security guards.

At present, security guards can only be hired with formal training and they must also possess a Security Guard License from Service-Ontario. Since the demand is going to be extremely high for new guard hires, Vetere is appealing to the Minister for leniency as security manpower is needed everywhere.

Vetere’s letter to the Minister states: “I am writing to ascertain whether the Minister may allow temporary guards to be placed (unlicensed) during these trying times. Our industry, the security guard industry, is largely unaffected by the economics of a particular trend in markets and as usual we are seeing a very discernible uptick in the request for security services throughout the region. With the Federal Government forecasting an up to 20 percent unemployment rate, we feel that we could employ in shorter term many of the peoples displaced during this event. Could the Minister allow for such consideration in the short-term, say 120 to 180 days?

Regal Security Inc. is now on a massive hiring campaign with the heavy demand for security services from current and new clients in array of sectors. The firm has a large number of positions – part-time and full-time – that need to be filled immediately. Positions available include security guards, concierge guards, site supervisors, patrol guards, and mobile guards.

Regal offers competitive pay, extensive training, benefits package, superior management support, flexible work hours, career growth, and more! They are even fast-tracking applications to place guards in residential condos, commercial low-and-high-rise buildings, retail, and more.

For those interested in a fulfilling career, visit Regal Security Careers and send your resume to careers@regalsecurity.ca

What does the future of guarding look like in Canada?

The security guard industry is being transformed in so many ways and there’s lots of interesting change still ahead, reports Gary Del Bianco, who is the Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development for Regal Security Inc.

Del Bianco recently took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by Canadian Security Magazine (CSM), where he had the opportunity to address major issues impacting the security industry . The exclusive roundtable event also included participants from three other major security providers.

The roundtable was featured in a recent issue of CSM, and the story received lots of positive response from industry players. The event allowed Del Bianco and the panel to discuss important industry topics, which involved wages, training, recruitment, branding, social media, and new technologies.

The security guard industry: recruitment and hiring

The first topic of discussion focused on the challenges around recruitment and hiring.

“From our perspective for recruitment and hiring, when we look at our metrics let’s say from a couple of years ago, what we find is we’re having to process more applications and interview more people in order to recruit per guard.” explained Del Bianco.

“Certainly the increase in minimum wage had an impact on that. But I think there are other factors as well. The workforce is changing… the qualification of the guard coming into the business has been impacted as well. We’re having to work that much harder to get the qualified staff to meet the criteria that our clients expect … From a retention point of view, for us, I think what’s important is you hire the right guard for the right site. Matching criteria is important. You have to supervise and manage those guards effectively and you also have to support them in terms of ensuring that there’s an opportunity for growth for them in the future …  And educating them to that fact.”

He added, “Most of our management team started in the industry as a guard and they’ve advanced since. I don’t think there’s enough knowledge of the fact that there are many, many opportunities in our industry, rather than using this as simply a stepping-stone to another industry. It’s important that we educate and support. It all contributes to better retention.”

“I would have to agree that in today’s environment, we have to use multiple sources for recruiting. For us, online brings in masses of applications, but what results in a higher percentage of final recruits is referrals and word of mouth plus the job fairs. That’s what’s more productive,” said Del Bianco.

Gary Del Bianco, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Development for Regal Security Inc.: “I don’t think that technology is in any way replacing security guards. I think it is enhancing an overall security program.”

Minimum wage changes and it impact on the security industry

A big topic at the roundtable was the 2018 increase in minimum wage (to $14 an hour in Ontario) and how its’ changing the industry.

Del Bianco told the panel that back in 2017, his company started discussions with their client base very early on around mid-year.  However, legislation wasn’t completely passed until late in 2017 and everyone had slightly over one month to get it agreed by clients and implemented.

“Certainly there was opposition initially, but understanding contract language, understanding legislation, all helped in that conversation. We took a model of fairness in terms of passing those costs along,” he said.

He further explained, “We didn’t achieve the same delta, going from (old) minimum to the new minimum, but we achieved somewhere close to that with pretty much our entire client base. It took a lot of discussion, a lot of education, a lot of back and forth conversation before those things happened. I agree as well, that the expectation for that same delta doesn’t exist and it’s going to take some time. It’s a continual discussion on that front. We see it on an ongoing basis, even in tenders. You look at the expectations, perhaps the SLAs (service level agreements) that come with it and you think, we have to have a separate (pricing) option, we have to have another discussion on it.”

New technology in the guarding industry

New technology was also a hot topic for participants.

Del Bianco indicated that Regal Security Inc. is seeing an increased need for enhanced security, and that technology will be widely utilized.

“Enhanced security is provided by a combination of services. In some areas that are lower risk, perhaps technology can do it alone. But in our local market, for example, we find that we need feet on the ground as well as the technology. A lot of people are talking about the ‘Big Brother’ look of things,” he said. “We’ve all seen on the news just recently; Ontario has provided another $3-million to the City of Toronto to combat gangs and guns. As that trend continues, and as the trend for global terrorism and terrorism locally grows, the need for additional and more sophisticated technology, and additional dollars for more security overall is going to be the answer.”

So, will new technology replace real humans?

“I don’t think that technology is in any way replacing security guards. I think it is enhancing an overall security program.”

– said Del Bianco.

“You can’t use a traditional model necessarily anymore. Anywhere from a commercial building to a logistics house to even residential condos. There are all kinds of (unwanted) things happening in these sites now. The concierge role is not what it used to be even five or 10 years ago. It’s totally changed.” We are now even more accountable to our clients to provide a certain level of service,” he said.

“The drugs, the gangs, the violence … and mental illness is on the rise. Just dealing with those situations in a very delicate manner before they  escalate to something else – those are all key,” said Del Bianco.

More change ahead for the security guard industry

Del Bianco also had the chance to talk about how his firm, like others across Canada, are offering a combination of services, like monitoring, technology, integration services, and how the industry will continue to shift in this direction. He also spoke at length on how guards are more professional and now require formal and ongoing training and how this is helping rebrand the industry as a whole on the professionalism front. Also, social media is having an impact on many levels when it comes to branding, hiring and recruitment.

Read more in Canadian Security Magazine and Visits Regal Security Inc.

To read the full story, visit  CSM online. If you are looking for a career in the security guard industry, or are in need of hiring a security firm, visit  Regal Security Inc.  today and secure your business!

REGAL SECURITY INC. FEATURED ON HALTON OUTLOOK TODAY NEWS

Halton Outlook Today (HOT) News has just featured Regal Security Inc. The in-depth news story highlights the firm’s Everyday Superhero™ guards and the innovative security solutions they offer clients in Toronto, across the GTA and Halton!

Do you want a career in the security guard industry in Toronto?

Here is what you can expect when working the front lines

Working as a security guard in the big city, or even the suburbs, is an exciting and interesting line of work.

Each day is like a new adventure and the job never gets boring: one minute you are working with clients, the next you are dealing with conflict or a crisis, and then you find yourself working directly with law enforcement agencies and emergency medical services. If you like change and challenges, then you have found your calling.

Security guards play a major role in many sectors

When you work as a security guard, you are not only representing a company, but you are also protecting a client’s assets, which includes their people and property. You serve to protect and help keep a client’s business, operations or residential community as secure as possible.

Being a security guard means that you also have lots of options to work in an array of sectors, like residential, commercial, retail, insurance, construction, and industrial, to name a few. There is now even a big demand for events security, whether they are private, businesses, or the numerous concerts and festivals in Toronto and across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

If you really like the firm you are with, then you can also explore options of moving into managerial roles and grow your career. You can also look at roles that involve training new staff, working in an operations capacity, client relations, or you may even enjoy going undercover as a Private Investigator! Working as a security guard might even be a stepping stone for you to pursue a career in various safety or law enforcement entities!  Your choices in this industry are endless.

There is lots of diversity and room for growth in the industry, and if you are motivated and have a strong work ethic and have an interest in law enforcement and safety, then working as a security guard might be your next best career move.

Working as a security guard is a very dynamic career

For those who hold a sense of duty, have strong attention to detail, and enjoy helping people, working as a security guard will be fulfilling in every sense. Whether you’re looking for a position that will require enhanced training and keep you walking your post and moving at all times, or one that is more concierge/security desk and customer service focused, there are all sorts of clients looking for good security guards.

If you are a student at college or university, then being a security guard is also a great option for part-time work during the academic year, and full-time work during the summer months. Many firms offer full and part-time opportunities that will give you experience and some extra money!

Of course, you just can’t put on a uniform and start working as a security guard right away. You first have to take the Ministry Approved Security Guard Training Courses and then obtain your Ontario Security Guard License. You will also find the training – CPR, First Aid, Tactical Awareness, ASP Use of Force Training, Tactical Command, to name a handful – interesting and useful and it will fully prepare you for your role as a security guard.

Grow your career with Regal Security Inc.

There are scores of security guard companies, but you may want to consider Regal Security and join our team of Everyday Superhero™ guards.

We offer ongoing training, and we also offer lots of growth and development opportunities. At Regal, you will always feel a part of a team, like family, where your voice and input are always heard and appreciated.

Regal specializes in urban manpower, security, and communications, so you will enjoy a career with our firm as we have lots of clients who desire a hero just like you.

Check out our careers page and reach out to us today!