The National Security Training Institute provides funding support to help motivated individuals gain their SIA licence and start working in the private security industry.
The National Security Training Institute (NSTI) is an industry-led funding body. Our mission is to address the critical shortage of qualified security professionals in the UK. We partner with top-rated training providers to offer subsidised training to eligible candidates, removing the financial barriers to entry.
Supported by a coalition of the UK's leading private security companies and training organisations.
Funding is available for courses at approved training centres across the entire UK.
We don't just fund training; we support your entry into a stable, growing career path.
We currently have funding allocations for the following SIA licence qualifications.
The standard qualification for working in licensed premises, events, and retail security. Includes physical intervention training.
Qualifies you to work in surveillance roles, monitoring public space surveillance systems in retail, corporate, and public sectors.
A transparent, fair process to allocate funding to those who need it most.
Complete our secure online form. We'll ask about your employment status and motivation.
Our team reviews your application to ensure you meet the funding criteria.
Successful applicants receive a funding offer and a matched training provider.
Accept your offer, pay any remaining contribution, and begin your course.
The NSTI funding is designed to support UK residents who are ready to work but face financial barriers to training.
Aged 18 or over
Right to work in the UK
Clean criminal record (SIA standard)
English language proficiency
Unemployed or seeking work
Low income households (<£30k)
Career changers
Ex-military personnel
The NSTI provides significant funding to cover a large portion of your training costs. Depending on your eligibility and the specific funding allocation available, you may be asked to make a small contribution (typically £200) towards the final cost.
The NSTI is an industry-led initiative, not a government scheme. It is funded and operated by a coalition of leading UK private security companies and training organisations who are committed to growing the talent pipeline.
Training takes place at approved SIA-regulated training centres across the UK. Once you are matched with a provider, you will be given the centre location and flexible scheduling options to suit your availability.
After submitting your application, our team will review your eligibility within 3–5 working days. If successful, you'll receive a funding offer along with a matched training provider and next steps to begin your course.
Funding is allocated to our network of approved training providers. While you cannot select your own provider independently, we take your location and preferences into account when making your match to ensure convenience.