Are you attracted to the idea of being part of a team and doing an important job? Or what about working abroad and challenging yourself mentally and physically? A career in the uniformed and security services can not only offer these opportunities, but you can receive quality training and, in some cases, learn a trade or new skill.

This career sector contains services that are concerned with security across a broad spectrum, from the country’s defence to civil order and protection of private businesses and individuals to dealing with emergencies at sea or on land.

To see the routes to getting into each of these sectors, take a look at our Career Areas.

What areas can I work in?

This career area consists of four sectors:

• armed services, whose main purpose is to defend the United Kingdom, its Overseas Territories (like Gibraltar), its people and interests
• emergency services, which include coastguard and firefighting services
• police and security work, which includes the investigation of criminal activities, public safety and surveillance, border security and customs and revenue services
• prison work involving custodial work and the rehabilitation of prisoners.

What kind of companies can I work for?

Armed services

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy
• Royal Marines.

Emergency Services

• Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), a UK government agency
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS)
• Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Police and Security Work

• Police Scotland
• private security firms
• local authorities
• airports
• retail stores and supermarkets
• Border Force
• UK Visas and Immigration
• Scottish Police Authority (SPA)
• government departments such as the Security Service (MI5), Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) or GCHG (Government Communications Headquarters).

Prison Work

• Scottish Prison Service (SPS).