Language Skills in Security Training: What You Need to Know
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Literacy Skills in Security Training: Why Reading and Writing Matter
Understanding Literacy in the Security Context
Literacy isn’t just about reading books or writing essays – it’s about being able to understand, interpret, and communicate essential information in everyday life and work. In the security industry, strong literacy skills are essential for safety, communication, and professionalism.
This article explains the literacy requirements for security training and employment, how Asset College assesses and supports these skills, and what your options are if you need to build your reading and writing ability before starting a course.
This article explains the literacy requirements for security training and employment, how Asset College assesses and supports these skills, and what your options are if you need to build your reading and writing ability before starting a course.
What Do We Mean by Literacy?
In the context of security training, literacy refers to your ability to:
- Read and understand written materials, including instructions, signs, and legal documents
- Write clearly and accurately using correct grammar and spelling
- Record observations or incidents using plain, professional English
- Complete forms, reports, and workplace documentation
These are not academic tasks – they are everyday requirements in real security roles.
How Literacy Affects Security Work
Security officers need to be able to read and write effectively to:
- Understand legislation, workplace procedures, and client instructions
- Write accurate and timely incident reports
- Log entries in patrol or shift notebooks
- Read signage, evacuation diagrams, and emergency instructions
- Respond to written communications such as emails or rosters
- Record details clearly when providing information to police or supervisors
Inaccurate or unclear writing can lead to legal risks, safety concerns, and reduced professional credibility.
Literacy in Security Training
During your course at Asset College, you will be required to:
- Read learning materials and case studies
- Interpret legislation and workplace documentation
- Write incident reports and role-play responses
- Complete assessments that include written questions and practical writing tasks
If your reading and writing skills are limited, it may be difficult to complete the course successfully – and challenging to meet the expectations of future employers.
Literacy Assessment at Enrolment
All students complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment before starting their course. This includes reading and writing tasks aligned to the qualification and delivery mode.
The assessment helps us understand whether:
The assessment helps us understand whether:
- You’re ready to begin training at the required skill level
- You might benefit from support or preparation before enrolling
- Any barriers could affect your safety or success during training
It is not a test of intelligence – it’s about identifying the best way forward.
What If I Struggle With Reading or Writing?
If your literacy skills are below the level required for your course, we may recommend:
- Referral to external program, such as:
- Foundation skills or adult literacy programs
- The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program
- Local learning centres or community colleges
- Deferring your enrolment to give you time to build your skills
- Considering alternative training options with different skill requirements
These referrals are not a rejection – they’re a step towards success. Being unprepared and overwhelmed in training is far more discouraging than taking time to build your skills beforehand.
Reasonable Adjustments and Our Limits
We will consider reasonable adjustments to support students with literacy challenges, such as using oral assessments or assistive technology. However, we will not offer adjustments that:
- Compromise the integrity of the course or assessments
- Create safety risks for the student or others
- Alter core competency requirements such as writing incident reports
- Disrupt the participation of others in training
Every security officer must be able to read and write clearly. We cannot adjust expectations that are essential to performing the role.
Decision-Making Checklist: Am I Ready?
Ask yourself:
- Can I read and understand workplace policies, warning signs, or legal instructions?
- Can I write clearly using correct spelling, grammar, and structure?
- Can I fill out forms or complete written assessments on my own?
- Can I describe what happened in a situation using accurate and objective language?
- Have I recently completed a literacy program, or been advised on my readiness?
If you’re unsure, we recommend speaking to our staff before enrolling – or taking time to build your skills through a trusted support service.
Reading and Writing with Purpose
Strong literacy skills are essential for success in security training and work. If you need to build your reading or writing skills, that doesn’t mean you can’t reach your goals – it just means your journey may take a different starting point.
At Asset College, we’ll help you make the decision that’s right for your circumstances – and ensure you’re prepared, confident, and ready to succeed when the time is right.
At Asset College, we’ll help you make the decision that’s right for your circumstances – and ensure you’re prepared, confident, and ready to succeed when the time is right.
Disclaimer
Please note: While Asset College supports students with varying skill levels, training programs are aligned to industry expectations. LLN and digital skills assessments help us identify whether students are currently prepared to begin training. Completing the course does not guarantee a security licence or employment. We encourage all students to consider their readiness carefully and seek support if needed before enrolling.
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