In today’s evolving risk landscape, organisations require front‑of‑house services that protect people, assets, and brand. The STARS programme delivers this by combining a premium customer experience with integrated security capability - deploying highly trained, people‑focused professionals who add measurable value, reduce complexity, and raise service standards across the site. Alongside client value, the programme builds a strong talent pipeline by opening long‑term career opportunities to a wider and more diverse pool of individuals.
Training and development within STARS
At Securitas, training and development are embedded throughout the STARS programme, not just during onboarding. From day one, individuals take part in a structured induction designed to build the foundations of the role, combining front-of-house professionalism with core security capabilities.
This includes customer service excellence, communication and presentation skills, security protocols, situational awareness and emergency response, all tailored to the working environment. Additional training covers First Aid fundamentals, Fire Marshal responsibilities, Unconscious Bias and ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) awareness.
Development continues well beyond initial training. Regular refreshers, annual recertification and scenario-based learning help build confidence and professional judgement over time. Ongoing support through site engagement, quarterly focus topics and the wider STARS community ensure skills remain relevant as risk environments evolve.
This continuous approach gives individuals the confidence and credibility to succeed in customer-facing security roles.
Career progression within the security industry
By investing in continuous professional development, the programme enables STARS to progress into various Managerial, Training and Leadership roles.
A strong example of this is Melissa De‑Sousa, who began her career as a STARS ten years ago. Reflecting on her journey, Melissa highlights the confidence and opportunities the programme provided from the outset:
“I began my journey as a STARS ten years ago and went on to progress into a Regional Programme Coordinator position. Today I am a Regional Training Manager at a multinational technology client, supporting a whole region across 40+ countries.
I joined STARS coming from a retail security background, but the programme opened my eyes to what I could strive for. The blend of security, admin, customer service and being an ambassador for the client was everything I didn’t know I was looking for.
Through STARS, I grew in confidence, strengthened my organisational skills and found the courage to step outside my comfort zone. I was given opportunities to speak publicly, represent Securitas and take part in events that broadened my horizons. I went from being extremely shy to confidently delivering multi‑day training sessions, thanks to the support that I received throughout my journey. STARS has truly shaped me into the person that I am today."
STARS plays a key role in attracting talent from diverse and underrepresented groups, while supporting pathways for women into a traditionally male‑dominated industry.
By combining structured training, ongoing support and clearly defined career pathways, the programme helps removes barriers to progression and enables long‑term careers in security.
Why consider STARS if you have a customer experience background?
If you come from a guest experience, hospitality, or customer‑focused background, you already have many of the core skills to succeed as a STARS - creating strong first impressions, communicating with confidence, and responding calmly to situations. These skills shape how safe and supported people feel in a building or public space.
In a world where first impressions matter and security is increasingly important, STARS represents the future of front-of-house roles.