You see them in airports, banks, shopping malls, job sites, department stores, sports and entertainment events, schools and hospitals.

Because of the jobs they do, our lives are that much safer.

Security guards get paid to protect people, property, and with northern B.C. expanding its industrial base in the mining and energy sectors, the need for more people to fill those jobs is increasing.

UNBC has taken steps to address that trend by teaming up with B.C.’s Employment Skills Access Program to offer a free three-week security guard training program at its campuses in Prince George, Quesnel and Terrace.

“There are so many opportunities related to increased industrial activity and this is one example of where there is a need for qualified people,” said Rob Bryce, UNBC's continuing studies co-ordinator , who helped organize the enhanced security guard training program.

"I recently spoke with a company that is anticipating a demand for 30-60 more guards in the next year alone. We anticipate that all the students who complete the program will be able to find employment immediately.”

The first three-week program starts Feb. 18 in Terrace. The Prince George and Quesnel courses will begin in March.

“It’s a very comprehensive program," said Bryce. "We’re even hiring actors for role-playing to simulate real world situations that the students might encounter in security work.

“Students will also be interviewed by employers on the last day of the program."

Funded by the Canada-B.C. Labour Market Agreement, the Employment Skills Access Program covers the cost of tuition and textbooks for training to help unemployed people gain skills that will get them jobs.

Go to unbc.ca/continuingstudies for more information or call (250) 960-5980.