Border Force officer or assistant officer
Check that people coming into the UK do not bring anything harmful or illegal into the country.
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£500
Entry level
£615
Experienced
Monthly
£2,167
Entry level
£2,667
Experienced
Yearly
£26,000
Entry level
£32,000
Experienced
2,800
people are currently employed
Low growth
200 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You'd check that people coming into the UK don't bring in anything harmful or illegal into the country.
You'd check and search vehicles arriving at UK borders for people who aren't allowed to enter the UK. You’d arrange for them to go to a detention centre where they could apply for asylum if they wish and stay until they leave the country.
You’d look for illegal goods like drugs and investigate people trying to avoid paying taxes or customs duties by smuggling money or goods into the country.
You'd:
question passengers at airports and seaports
ask people about specific details relating to their stay
search vehicles, ships and planes for people, drugs and other goods
search people for drugs and other goods which are illegal in the UK
check whether people trying to come into the country are involved in illegal activities
You could arrest people who were a danger to the UK or were here illegally. You'd work closely with the police.
Hours
Explore more information about this job
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:
- making decisions
- attention to detail
- researching
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services
While there are no formal educational requirements to enter this job, qualifiations at SCQF levels 4-6 may be helpful, in particular for direct entry into an officer position.
Qualifications that demonstrate physical fitness and awareness of security such as Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4) may be useful in preparing for this job.
You may have an advantage if you also have some ability in a foreign language.
You'll need to be a UK national with no restrictions on your stay in the UK and have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years.
Selection for all positions is through an assessment centre, where candidates are tested on:
judgement
conflict management
communication skills, both oral and written
awareness of diversity and equal opportunities
You'll also be required to pass a:
security clearance (due to the sensitive nature of the work)
medical examination
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