While being a carer, Kaleem developed key skills such as vigilance and observation – qualities that are just as important in the security industry. Seeing security officers at work in his local town of Huddersfield sparked a realisation: “I thought to myself, I can do that too.”
Determined to make the transition, he visited the Realise Skills Hub in Huddersfield and enrolled in the SIA (Security Industry Authority) course.
With decades of experience in specialist and complex care, Kaleem’s background in education and caregiving never quite translated into the job opportunities he needed. He strongly believed that up-to-date training was essential to bridging the gap between unfilled jobs and unemployed individuals – something that Realise helped him achieve.
For most of Kaleem’s life, he was a full-time carer for his younger brother and father. Unfortunately, when Kaleem’s parents passed away and his younger siblings moved in different directions, he found himself homeless. Kaleem travelled around the UK for a while, unable to find stable work or a place to settle, before returning to Huddersfield. That’s when he started noticing Security Officers and their work. Kaleem realised that at its core, security follows the same principles as care – looking after people and ensuring their safety. This sparked his interest in pursuing a career in the security sector.
Kaleem soon discovered that he needed an SIA badge to enter the field, which required passing a course. That’s when he learnt about Realise. After researching online, he visited our Realise Hub in the Packhorse Shopping Centre in person – and that decision set him on the path to a new career.
The training provided by Realise proved to be invaluable. “My tutors, Dave and Connor, shared a lot of experience, which helped even more,” Kaleem recalled. The course covered everything from the history of the security sector to present-day best practices, legal requirements, job roles, and how to handle different situations. “We learnt both the theory and knowledge base, and also the practical and physical aspects.”
When asked about his favourite part of the training, Kaleem struggled to pick just one. “I really enjoyed all the different aspects of the course. A lot of it felt familiar because of my background in care – working with different groups of people and handling various scenarios.”
A key highlight for him was the support he received from the Realise team. “All the staff were really helpful from the very first day. Connor stood out because they guided me from the start and regularly check in on me. The whole team has been amazing.”
Kaleem
This course has made a real difference in Kaleem’s life. “Training places like Realise are so important. They help bridge the gap between people and job opportunities in a short amount of time. This course has allowed me to move towards the security sector and secure a role within the industry. It will have a big impact on my life.”
For anyone considering taking a course at Realise, Kaleem’s advice is simple: “Start by thinking about the type of job or industry you want to work in. Then, look at what qualifications or training you need to get there. Realise can help you take those next steps.”
Reflecting on the experience, Kaleem recognised the bigger picture. “There are a lot of jobs that need filling and a lot of people without jobs. Learning and training should not just be about written studies – it should also be about hands-on experience. Realise help people get the skills they need and connect them with real job opportunities.”
With new qualifications and fresh confidence, Kaleem has started his career in security – proof that transferable skills and the right training can open doors to exciting new possibilities.
If Kaleem’s story has motivated you to take the next step, why not start your journey today? Realise offers expert training and support to help you gain new skills and open up exciting career opportunities. Don’t wait – click the link to sign up!
