AN IMPROVED image of the security industry helped attract 5,000 people to the profession last year, making it one of the few bright spots amid the recession.
There are 31,000 security officers, increasing from 26,000 in January last year and 14,000 in 2004, according to figures from the Security Industry Regulatory Department of the Singapore Police Force.
More women have also join its ranks. They now form 13 per cent of the pool.
Mr N. Silva, president of the Union of Security Employees (USE), said improvements in the industry's image and standards have also increased demand as companies recognise the value of better security services.
One key factor, he added, was the coordinated efforts of his union and government agencies to direct suitable job-seekers to the industry, including tapping on the pool of out-of-work women.
He expects demand to rise in the next five years, following the completion of the two integrated resorts and as Singapore stages more high-profile events like the Formula One night race.
'We hope the industry will have 50,000 security officers by 2014 to meet the rising demand,' he said, adding that there is an immediate demand for about 1,500 officers.
Several security agencies interviewed share his optimism and are stepping up their recruitment.
But there are challenges in attracting people to the security line, said the agencies interviewed including a high turnover of staff and formerly lower wages.
- The Straits Times
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