Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

The Work

Porters/security attendants have a number of duties connected with the maintenance and security of buildings, such as offices, and some private apartment blocks.  
 
Security is an important part of the work. Porters are often based in offices or at desks close to a building's main entrance. They monitor visitors and may be responsible for checking entrance passes. Some porters keep and issue keys. Most porters patrol the site, making sure that the building, equipment and grounds are secure. They may have to open and lock gates, doors and barriers. Security duties also involve looking after fire fighting and other safety equipment.  
 
Portering services often include general caretaking work. Porters supervise the operation of heating systems and carry out general maintenance jobs. Most porters have some cleaning duties. This can involve using heavy electrical cleaning and polishing machines. Collecting and disposing of refuse is also usually part of the work.  
 
When there are deliveries to the building, porters check in and sign for goods, and move items to the appropriate place. Porters also move furniture as required, set up rooms for meetings or other functions, and erect and take down equipment.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Lock doors and gates of entrances and exits to secure buildings.
• Answer alarms and investigate disturbances.
• Monitor and authorise entrance and departure of employees, visitors, and other persons to guard against theft and maintain security of premises.
• Write reports of daily activities and irregularities, such as equipment or property damage, theft, presence of unauthorised persons, or unusual occurrences.
• Patrol industrial or commercial premises to prevent and detect signs of intrusion and ensure security of doors, windows, and gates.
• Call police or fire departments in cases of emergency, such as fire or presence of unauthorised persons.
• Respond to medical emergencies by administering basic first aid or by obtaining assistance from paramedics.
• Circulate among visitors, patrons, or employees to preserve order and protect property.
• Warn persons of rule infractions or violations, and apprehend or evict violators from premises, using force when necessary.
• Answer telephone calls to take messages, answer questions, and provide information during non-business hours or when switchboard is closed.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

Professional Development 

Training may be on-the-job. A senior porter usually gives new entrants instruction and supervision. You will learn the range of duties and basic tasks, such as how to use cleaning equipment and maintain the facilities. As a porter you will be expected to learn fairly quickly and move on to work with minimum supervision. 

A variety of courses are available nation-wide to assist in the training of security officers/porters. These include full-time and part-time courses focusing on security, retail business management, and services management. As this can be a multi-site occupation, based around many centres & premises a full driving license will be helpful. 

Key trade skills Certs

-Health & safety certs First Aid

-Safepass

-Manual handling     

-Security skills 

These courses may be available via Local training centres at low or no cost Search our FET Coursefinder

FET Centre Courses: Security (Static & Site) full & part time NFQ Level 4 Search our FET Coursefinder

FET Centre PLC Courses: Security Studies NFQ Level 5 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Professional Development 

Under the Private Security Services Act all security personnel are required to register with the Private Security Authority (PSA) and to obtain a security licence. The PSA has a list of QQI level 4-5 approved training providers along with qualifications that meet the requirements for the PSA licence. 

Garda vetting may form part of registration for PSA license and application processes for employment in this sector, prior convictions may be considered on case bassis based on PSA fit & proper matrix guidance document    

Last Updated: March, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €42k

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ HSE/ Payscale/ Excel

Last Updated: February, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels in this occupation dipped during 2020, most likely related to the closure of offices, bars and retail premises during the COVID-19 pandemic along with the cancellation of events. Employment has since returned to pre-COVID-19 levels with a high volume of vacancies advertised with DSP Jobs Ireland (including event and retail security).

Although the number of online adverts for security guards in the OVATE data declined overall, the number of skill mentions increased for health/safety skills. monitoring & planning skills, and an ability to work in teams. This occupation has a higher-than-average share of non-Irish citizens employed, at 30% (compared to 19% nationally). Future demand for these roles will be particularly dependent on the occupancy levels in offices, where the majority of security guards are employed.

• Private Security Authority

  • Davis Street, Tipperary Town
  • 062 32600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA)

  • Security Centre, Unit 1A, IDA Industrial Estate, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 484 7206
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Security Institute of Ireland

  • Unit W9G, Ladytown Business Park, Naas Co Kildare
  • (045) 409 222
  • Click Here