At a Glance
- Tasks: Escort and transport immigration residents safely while maintaining high security standards.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Heathrow Vehicle Base making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, paid training, career growth, and great perks like discounts and free parking.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, work-life balance, and opportunities for leadership roles.
- Why this job: No experience needed—start your journey with full training and earn a Level 3 Apprenticeship.
- Qualifications: Must be a UK citizen, hold a valid driving licence, and be over 21.
The predicted salary is between 31080 - 31080 £ per year.
Detainee Custody Officer – Heathrow Vehicle Base
Join Us and Make a Difference
Vehicle base DCO: Salary £31,080.00 based on 40 hours per week
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for respectful, caring, and resilient individuals to join our team. If you have:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A calm and non-judgemental approach
- Great problem-solving abilities
- The ability to stay composed under pressure
Then this could be the perfect role for you!
What You’ll Be Doing
As an In-Country Escorting DCO at the Vehicle Base, you’ll be responsible for:
- Escorting and transporting immigration residents within the UK
- Driving a small minibus-sized vehicle and ensuring the safe transportation of those in your care
- Maintaining high security and safety standards while treating residents with dignity and respect
This role requires flexibility, as you will work a mix of day and night shifts, covering a 24/7, 365‑day operation.
No Experience? No Problem!
No prior experience or qualifications are needed—full training and support will be provided. If you have experience handling challenging situations or working with people in distress, it would be a plus. Your journey begins with a 4‑week paid training course, including a control and restraint training course. Over the next 13 months, you’ll receive on‑the‑job mentoring and assessments, leading to an accredited Level 3 Apprenticeship in Detention and Custody.
Why Join Us?
- Work‑life balance – structured shifts for stability, up to 1 year in advance so you can plan your goals and travel.
- Career growth – start with a Level 3 Apprenticeship, with opportunities for leadership roles.
- Continued personal development with full support given to enhance your career.
- Free parking and uniform.
- A great selection of benefits incl. Access to online GP services, share options and a generous holiday allowance.
- Pension and Life assurance.
- Reward & Recognition scheme.
- Discounts which include cinema, online shopping discounts, leisure centre memberships, holidays, and Health & Wellbeing Benefits.
- As a DCO, you can apply for a Blue Light discount card.
Essential Requirements
- Be a UK Citizen, a Commonwealth Citizen with indefinite leave to remain (not through marriage), or an EEA Citizen
- Hold a valid UK passport (expired visas in out‑of‑date passports cannot be accepted)
- Have lived in the UK continuously for the past 3 years, with no single absence over 3 months
- Pass an Enhanced DBS check, employer referencing (last 5 years), and Counter‑Terrorist Check (CTC) vetting
- Hold a full UK manual driving licence (at least 12 months of experience)
- Have fewer than 7 points on your licence and no driving bans in the last 12 months
- Be over 21 years of age
Due to the safety‑critical nature of this role, we require that employees are not under the influence of any substance—including prescribed medication—that may impair their ability to perform their duties safely. This includes any THC‑based prescriptions due to the lack of reliable evidence on safe levels of THC in the system. If you are currently prescribed medication that may affect your ability to carry out safety‑critical tasks, we encourage you to discuss this with us as part of the recruitment process. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments where appropriate and in line with our obligations under the Equality Act 2010. To ensure the highest standards of safety and compliance, we operate a random drug and alcohol testing programme. By applying, you acknowledge that participation in this testing is a condition of employment.
Important: If you do not have a valid UK passport and a full UK manual car driving licence, we cannot proceed with your application.
Application Process
Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment process which includes:
- Interview
- Capability assessments
- Full vetting screening
Ready to take the next step? Apply now and start your journey with us!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Detention Custody Officer - Heathrow VB in London
✨Get Familiar with Industry Trends
Stay updated with the latest in security services. Follow industry news and subscribe to newsletters from security bodies — this knowledge can really impress during conversations with potential employers like Mitie Group plc..
✨Connect with Local Security Networks
Join local security associations or attend community events if you can. Meeting professionals already in the field can open doors that applications sometimes can’t. Their insider tips could direct you to opportunities at places like Mitie Group plc..
✨Show Off Practical Skills
As you apply for your apprenticeship, think of ways to demonstrate your hands-on skills. Consider volunteering for community security projects or joining relevant workshops. This proactive approach showcases your commitment and could make you stand out while applying.
✨Leverage Our Website for Applications!
Don’t miss out on the chance to apply directly through Mitie Group plc.'s website! We often have apprenticeship openings that aren't listed elsewhere, so keep checking in — you might just find the perfect opportunity before anyone else does!
We think you need these skills to ace Detention Custody Officer - Heathrow VB in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Security Awareness:When applying for a security-services apprenticeship, it's crucial to highlight any previous experience or training related to safety and security. Did you complete any relevant courses or have a job where you had to be security-conscious? Mention those details to show us you’re serious about the field!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any security-related certificates, like first aid or health and safety qualifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your CV. These can really set you apart from other candidates in the field of security services, especially for an apprenticeship where we’re looking for potential and dedication.
Why This Role? Let Us Know!:In your cover letter, it’s super important to convey why you want to dive into the security services industry through this apprenticeship at Mitie Group plc.. Talk about what excites you about the role and how it lines up with your career goals. We love to see passion and eagerness to learn!
Be Clear About Availability:Since this is an apprenticeship, we’ll want to know how much time you can dedicate to training and work. In your application, clearly outline your availability. We're all about finding the right fit, so let us know if you have any other commitments or if you're flexible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mitie Group plc.
✨Show Your Awareness of Security Protocols
Brush up on the latest security protocols and regulations in the industry. We suggest familiarising yourself with terms like risk assessment and emergency response plans, as you might be asked to discuss how you'd handle various scenarios during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
In security services, being able to communicate effectively is crucial. During your interview, make sure to highlight your ability to work with a team and handle conflicts calmly. Maybe prepare a couple of examples where you’ve diffused a potentially tense situation.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect some situational questions where you'll need to think on your feet. The interviewer might pose a scenario, like how you would react to an emergency situation. Practising your responses to these types of questions can really showcase your readiness for the role.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
Since it's an apprenticeship, showing that you're eager to learn and grow in the field is key. We recommend mentioning specific aspects of security services that excite you, whether it's technology, safety regulations, or customer service. This can really make you stand out as a motivated candidate!
