what is a gateman?
A gateman monitors the entrance and exit of visitors in a company or residential area. You ensure the gates are guarded, and record visitors admitted to the facility, including their arrival and departure times. Whether you are the gatekeeper for a licenced property or a residential area, you need to ensure that only authorised visitors enter the premises. Your job is to check identification documents and screen cars entering the gate.
what does a gatekeeper do?
A gatekeeper ensures the property they are assigned to protect is safe from external threats. Aside from screening visitors, you also check the premises regularly to ensure alarm systems and cameras are working properly. You respond to alarms in the building and direct people to safety. When there is a threat on the premises, you call law enforcement agencies and ensure everyone is safe before the police arrive.
As a gateman, you also beef up security measures to prevent burglary and loss of company property. If some parts of the premises don't have security systems, you need to install them. You also check locks to ensure doors are properly closed at the end of the day. The job is highly sensitive and requires you to be on your toes. You need to be physically strong and able to think on your feet to respond to threats promptly. In some cases, you need knowledge of firearms and combat training since you work in an industry prone to violence.
Would working as a gateman suit your ability to think on your feet? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a gateman role.
average salary of a gateman
According to ONS, the median salary of a gateman is £23,876 per year, which translates to £12.24 per hour. When you join an entry-level position, your compensation package starts at £22,064 annually, while experienced gatekeepers earn up to £26,325 per year.
Apart from your base salary, you also receive various allowances. For instance, you get life insurance and medical allowance. Some companies offer transport allowances. You also receive additional income for working overtime or bonuses.
what factors affect the salary of a gateman?
As a gatekeeper, your salary fluctuates based on your responsibilities and experience level. For instance, if you have over five years of experience, the skills you bring to the table raise your salary bracket. Previous experience in security roles or the army also significantly improves your compensation package. While educational qualifications are not a priority for employers, having additional training in safety courses or first-aid increases your salary prospects.
The location and company size also influence your salary. For instance, if you work in populated areas or urban centres with security threats, your earnings are higher due to the risks associated with the job. The high demand for gatekeepers also raises your earnings. Large companies often pay gatekeepers higher than small start-ups due to the scope of responsibilities.
types of gatemen
Gatekeepers serve different purposes depending on the employer. Some of the types of gatemen include:
- residential gateman: as a residential gatekeeper, you protect a residential property. You work in a gated community, take care of the entire neighbourhood or protect the private residence of your employer. You can work at the gate or patrol the entire area.
- business gatekeepers: as a business gateman, you guard business premises. For instance, you can protect a retail store or licenced establishments like bars, restaurants and hospitals. Your job is to prevent unauthorised access and burglary by beefing up security.
working as a gateman
Working as a gateman involves protecting premises from external threats. You also present a positive company image to visitors by welcoming and directing them around the premises. Let's explore the specific duties and responsibilities of gatemen.
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gateman job description
Specific duties of a gateman depend on the employer. Some of the typical duties include:
- greeting customers and conducting security checks: as a gateman, you greet visitors and employees as they enter the building or premises' gate. For employees, you only check their access cards and make sure they record the punch in time before going into the building. You also check customers' and visitors' bags to ensure they don't carry unauthorised items into the building.
- monitoring traffic at the gate: as a gateman, your job involves opening gates for cars entering or leaving the premises. In a company with large traffic, your job is to ensure a streamlined traffic flow. You also direct visitors to ideal parking spots to ease movements around the entrance and exit areas.
- patrolling commercial or industrial premises: you need to regularly patrol the premises and check for signs of forced entry or intrusions. Regular patrols also help you identify the least secure areas and beef up security. For instance, you can recommend the installation of reinforced doors or windows in vulnerable areas. Before starting your night shift, you need to check if the doors are locked and the alarm is working.
- writing reports: as a gateman, your job involves writing reports at the end of your shift or workday. You report daily activities and security incidents like property or equipment damages, the presence of unauthorised persons or theft.
- reporting incidents and calling for help in emergencies: as a gateman, you answer alarms and investigate disturbances or suspicious activities. If someone commits a criminal offence or attempts to rob the company, you must report the incidents to your supervisor or law enforcement. You also need to follow company policy when handling incidents. In emergencies like fire outbreaks, you guide people to safety and call the fire department.
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work environment
As a gateman, you work in various industries protecting people and property from robberies and other damages. You can work in nightclubs, factories, retail stores, office buildings and warehouses. Your work environment is dangerous since your job is to shield the company from the entrance of unauthorised persons. Sometimes, your job involves dealing with armed robbers and other threats. You also work in all weather conditions since you have to stay by the gate throughout the shift. In some companies, gatekeepers wear uniforms and carry screening devices or firearms.
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who are your colleagues?
A gateman works in company premises, residential areas or stores. As a gateman, your colleagues might include security officers, security guards and door supervisors. You may also work in close proximity to traffic marshalls and receptionists, as well as other specialists that could include forensic computer analysts, police officers and area security managers.
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work schedule
The typical workweek of a gateman runs 37 to 40 hours, depending on the employer. When you work alongside other security guards, you work regular office hours from 6 am to 6 pm. Since you have to open the gates and office premises, your workday starts early and ends late compared to other employees. In companies that require 24/7 protection, you work 8 to 12 hours shifts. Part-time positions are rare in the role, and you won't find remote work opportunities since you need to be available on the premises.
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job outlook
Becoming a gateman is the first step in the security field. When you start as a gateman, you have endless opportunities for growth depending on the career path. For instance, you can become an armed security guard or head security officer with some training. You can also become the area security manager or move into consultancy when you have many years of experience.
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advantages of finding a gateman job through randstad
Finding your gateman job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a gateman is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
You can become a gateman without any post-secondary education since employers are focused on your experience and physical fitness. However, you need to complete an approved training course in operating CCTV or front-line security to work in some institutions. You also need basic administrative knowledge to write reports and operate the switchboard.
You may need a Security Industry Authority licence to work in licenced premises since you work in front-line security. Most security agencies do not hire gatemen without an SIA licence and basic self-defence training.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills that a gateman needs include:
- communication skills: as a gateman, you interact with many people, including employees, customers and visitors. You need precise and clear communication ability to address everyone appropriately. Communication skills help you address visitors politely and direct them to the right office. You also need interpersonal skills to collaborate with other security guards within the premises.
- thinking on your feet: as a gateman, it is important to have quick thinking skills and a fast reaction time. Thinking on your feet can help you prevent the escalation of a problem. You also need to be a good decision-maker to avoid endangering other employees when dealing with a security breach or during emergencies.
- tech-savvy: as a gateman, you need computer skills to monitor security cameras and operate various screening equipment at the gate. Your job also involves setting up the alarm system, which requires tech-savvy skills.
- ability to remain calm under pressure: in emergencies, you deal with scared employees and chaos. As a gateman, you need to maintain your calm and assist people with injuries as you get help from law enforcement.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a gateman
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what is a gateman?
A gateman takes care of the company premises by preventing entry of unauthorised visitors. They also prevent robberies by improving security features in private residences. Want to learn more about working as a gateman? Then check out this article.
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what is the difference between a gateman and a security guard?
A gateman is a security employee that welcomes visitors. A security guard isn't necessarily stationed at the gate. They take care of buildings that require high security. Want to learn more about working as a gateman? Then check out this article.
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where does a gateman work?
A gateman works in various industries. You can work in private residences, company office buildings, warehouses or factories. Want to learn more about working as a gateman? Then check out this article.
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what is the role of a gatekeeper?
The role of a gateman is to greet and screen visitors. They also check employees' badges and record arrival and departure times.
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how much does a gateman earn?
A gateman earns an average salary of £23,876 per year. The amount can increase gradually to £26,325 annually with experience.
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how do I apply for a gateman vacancy?
Applying for a gateman job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
