BY CHEN JINGTING

THE threat of terrorism is fuelling demand for the security industry here, which is why there will be job openings for more than a few good men - and women.

Today, about 150 jobs for both men and women - each paying between $1,200 and $1,500 monthly for an eight to 12 hour shift, will be up for grabs at a recruitment exercise at Punggol Community Club.

The event is organised by the North East Community Development Council (CDC) to help the retrenched cope with their situation and equip them with information on industries that are still recruiting.

The Security Industry Institute (SII), which is participating in the job fair, told my paper that demand for security officers is strong, compared to that of other industries.

Those who aspire to be security officers must take up course modules which will qualify them as licensed security professionals, said Ms April Wong, SII's assistant manager of career services and business development.

The SII offers licensing modules under its Certificate in Security Operations course and charges up to $35 for each module, depending on the content. One needs to take and pass two licensing modules before he can work as a security officer, said Ms Wong.

The course may be free for people who approach the CDC for job assistance because 90 per cent of the fees - which can go up to $280 for those getting a full certificate - are subsidised by the Government, said Ms Brenda Lim, centre manager for North East CDC.

The remaining 10 per cent can be paid through training allowances provided by theWorkforce Development Agency on a case-by-case basis.

As part of the CDC's programme to help the retrenched, workshops providing tips on preparing for job interviews and resume writing were held yesterday at the CDC. These were aimed at informing the retrenched about jobs available and how to get them.

At these workshops, participants attended a motivational talk and briefings by representatives from the security and health-care industries.

Mr Kwan Hon Wan, 52, who was retrenched earlier this month and is hoping to be a security officer, is happy that he can attend the course for free. He used to earn about

$2,000 a month from his previous job as a dispatch rider, but does not mind the lower pay as a security officer.

'This is like a second chance for me,' he said.

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