How a course at South Tyneside College could help you become a bodyguard

Elite level training to create modern day bodyguards to protect high-ranking clients is being delivered at South Tyneside College.

Twenty people have signed up to become the first to learn how to patrol cyberspace and the real-world environment to help them counter threats against celebrities, government ministers and diplomats to whom they may one day be assigned.

The programme is operating as a partnership between the college and Savant Training Academy, which is operated by former police and military experts.

Alison Maynard, principal of South Tyneside College, said: “This programme is ideal for ex-services personnel or those looking to make the transition from current careers with the military to civvy street.

“This is a hugely satisfying sector to work in and one that is rapidly expanding, and so people without an armed forces background can very much find their niche.

“This is an exceptional opportunity for people to enter a new, exciting and highly skilled world of work and opportunity.”

Stefan Bell, of Savant Training Academy, added: “This is the world’s first fully elite level intelligence and security integrated training course and offers a great opportunity for people to gain expertise in this sector.”

The free course is open to people from military and non-military backgrounds and offers entry into a world that once appeared off limits to all but most seasoned professional.

Savant Training Academy specialises in training, risk consultancy and security to clients, including high-ranking US military commanders, media outlets and law enforcement agencies.

Training takes place at the South Shields college.

Funded by the Government, the Intelligence Analyst and Close Protection Operative Course (IA-CPO) course runs from Mondays to Saturdays.

Learners must be aged over 19.

More information on Savant Training Academy is available online here.