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What does it really take to build a successful career in South Africa’s security industry?

In this episode of the Security Guy’d Podcast, Rafi Moosaie sits down with veteran security trainer, assessor and facilitator Mark Sols, who has more than 28 years of experience in the security industry.

Mark takes us through his journey from starting out as a security officer in 1992 to becoming a supervisor, manager, instructor, assessor and mentor to hundreds of security learners.

But this conversation goes much deeper than Mark’s personal story.

We unpack some of the biggest questions facing security officers and aspiring security professionals today:

🔹 What is the difference between SIRA, SASSETA and QCTO?
🔹 How do security learnerships work?
🔹 Can you become a security officer through a learnership?
🔹 How long does it take to progress through your security grades?
🔹 What are the practical requirements after completing your training?
🔹 What exactly does an assessor do?
🔹 What is the difference between a facilitator and an assessor?
🔹 Why do some learners struggle to become competent?
🔹 Can prior learning (RPL) help you progress?
🔹 What qualifications do you need to enter the security industry?
🔹 Can foreigners register as security officers in South Africa?
🔹 What is happening with SASSETA and the transition to QCTO?
🔹 Why are certificates and training processes sometimes delayed?
🔹 How can security officers upskill themselves?
🔹 How can you identify a legitimate security training provider?
🔹 How can you avoid bogus training providers and worthless certificates?

Mark also shares an important message for anyone entering the industry: your future should always be bigger than your past.

Whether you're a security officer, a new learner, someone considering a career in security, a training provider or simply interested in how South Africa's security industry works, this episode is packed with practical information and hard-earned experience.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Training and registration requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the relevant regulatory and training bodies before paying for training or registering for a qualification.

📍 Wise Guy Security Academy
Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town

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Real conversations. Real security. Real South African stories.

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