Security Apprentice

As a Security Apprentice, you’ll be part of the team that helps keep the Port running safely and smoothly.

You’ll work across both Tyne Dock (South Shields) and our International Passenger Terminal (North Shields) gaining hands-on experience in a busy, real-world environment.

Wage

£19,500 a year

Training Course

Professional security operative (level 2)

Hours

8.00am - 4.00pm, with a 30 min lunch. Monday - Friday, with BH off (counted in the annual leave). 37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start Date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

1 year

Positions Available

1

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

No two days are the same in this role. You’ll get involved in things like:

• Helping manage who comes in and out of the Port
• Supporting security checks and making sure procedures are followed
• Monitoring CCTV and carrying out patrols across the site
• Helping respond to incidents and supporting emergency procedures
• Speaking with visitors and answering questions
• Completing simple reports and keeping records up to date
• Supporting the wider team with day-to-day operations

It’s a great mix of practical work, teamwork and responsibility.

Where you'll work

Tyne Dock
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE34 9PL

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training Provider

MERCURY TRAINING SERVICES LTD

Training Course

Professional security operative (level 2)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Follow assignment instructions relevant to operational duties.
• Carry out work in compliance with all regulations, guidance, legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
• Use security systems, applications and software, technology and equipment in line with organisational and operational requirements.
• Take action in the event of an incident, disruption, alarm activation or emergency, liaising with relevant people, escalating when necessary and recording actions and outcomes to meet guidance or organisational requirements.
• Complete and maintain accurate documentation or reports to meet current legislation, guidance, or organisational requirements.
• Challenge suspicious activities on or around the site and apply SCaN principles (see, check, and notify).
• Deliver customer service to all stakeholders, responding to the needs of individuals.
• Navigate a site plan or map of their working environment and areas.
• Carry out observation of designated areas, report and record any irregularities mitigating security and safety threats.
• Use digital communication applications and information management systems to communicate, learn, share, and record information.
• Use personal protection equipment (PPE) correctly.
• Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills (for example the 'Power of Hello’) when interacting with individuals.
• Use an appropriate tone of voice in all communications that reflect the organisations or client’s values.
• Contribute to review and improve the daily operating processes and procedures.
• Defuse potential conflict situations.
• Identify the component parts of explosive and incendiary items, firearms, and other prohibited items.
• Carry out dynamic risk assessments at sites or locations.
• Carry out various searches (for example, of areas, people, vehicles or items) in a operational security capacity.
• Apply operational security access control systems, procedures, and forms of authorisation in crowded space environments or publicly accessible locations.
• Identify, handle or potentially confiscate sensitive material, dangerous or prohibited items.
• Patrol assigned areas for operational security to control access, detect and respond to unwanted activities, communicate, and report findings.
• Deploy the correct type of barrier in an operational security context safely.
• Carry out vehicle safety checks and basic maintenance on CViT vehicles.
• Operate specially adapted vehicles' security system including load and unload mode.
• Calculate the shortest and safest route between vehicle and collection point.
• Read maps to find locations for CViT and re-route in case of traffic or diversions (paper map and/or sat nav technology).
• Use communications and mapping equipment when operating a CViT vehicle.
• Carry out various searches (for example, of areas, vehicles, or items) from the control room.
• Apply control room access control systems, procedures, and forms of authorisation in crowded space environments or publicly accessible locations.
• Scan and track assigned areas for control room to control access, detect and respond to unwanted activities, communicate, and report findings.
• Deploy correct type of barrier in a control room context safely.
• Identify and use components of a control room system.
• Gather and store CCTV footage for evidential use.
• Follow assignment instructions relevant to operational duties.
• Carry out work in compliance with all regulations, guidance, legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
• Use security systems, applications and software, technology and equipment in line with organisational and operational requirements.
• Take action in the event of an incident, disruption, alarm activation or emergency, liaising with relevant people, escalating when necessary and recording actions and outcomes to meet guidance or organisational requirements.
• Complete and maintain accurate documentation or reports to meet current legislation, guidance, or organisational requirements.
• Challenge suspicious activities on or around the site and apply SCaN principles (see, check, and notify).
• Deliver customer service to all stakeholders, responding to the needs of individuals.
• Navigate a site plan or map of their working environment and areas.
• Carry out observation of designated areas, report and record any irregularities mitigating security and safety threats.
• Use digital communication applications and information management systems to communicate, learn, share, and record information.
• Use personal protection equipment (PPE) correctly.
• Use verbal and non-verbal communication skills (for example the 'Power of Hello’) when interacting with individuals.
• Use an appropriate tone of voice in all communications that reflect the organisations or client’s values.
• Contribute to review and improve the daily operating processes and procedures.
• Defuse potential conflict situations.
• Identify the component parts of explosive and incendiary items, firearms, and other prohibited items.
• Carry out dynamic risk assessments at sites or locations.