Marissa Carroll - Covert Surveillance Skills Bootcamp

In your own words, can you describe your Skills Bootcamp journey – please include anything you particularly enjoyed, or indeed would recommend changes to ……

I joined the Skills Bootcamp to expand my opportunities within the security sector, building on my experience as a Door Supervisor. I was particularly interested in progressing towards close protection roles, and this programme offered a clear route to gain the necessary qualification.

The course was well-structured and supportive. As someone with dyslexia, I appreciated the use of screen accessibility features which made learning more manageable. The tutors were understanding and adapted delivery where needed.

I found the practical elements the most valuable. Exercises like venue reconnaissance, searching protocols, and principal protection scenarios allowed me to apply the learning in real-world situations. This helped build my confidence and demonstrated my capabilities outside a classroom environment. I wouldn’t suggest many changes — the balance between theory and hands-on learning was spot on.

What skills do you think you’ve developed whilst attending the Skills Bootcamp? Have these helped you to secure your ideal role?

The Bootcamp helped me develop a much deeper understanding of the responsibilities and procedures involved in close protection. I built skills in threat assessment, route planning, advanced surveillance awareness, and managing the movement of a principal. These were areas I hadn’t worked in previously, but the course made them approachable and practical.

Since completing the programme, I’ve seen a real change in my employment prospects. There are now multiple opportunities available to me that weren’t accessible before, and I’m currently receiving several offers for interview through NGTC’s employer network. The course gave me the confidence and qualifications to pursue roles I previously wouldn’t have considered.

Have you had to overcome any significant barriers, mental health, reduced self confidence, juggled study with other commitments?

One of the challenges I faced was managing my dyslexia, particularly when working through written materials and assessments. The use of dark mode and screen adaptation tools made a significant difference, and the tutors were supportive in making adjustments where needed.

Although I entered the course confident in my abilities, stepping into a new area of security work brought its own pressures. The Bootcamp helped ease that transition by creating a practical, hands-on learning environment where I could focus on applying my strengths. I was also balancing the course alongside work, so the structured delivery and flexibility helped me stay on track.

Would you recommend a Skills Bootcamp to others?

Yes, without hesitation. The Bootcamp gave me the skills, confidence, and qualifications I needed to progress in a competitive industry. It’s a practical and supportive route into specialist roles, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to move forward in the security sector — especially those wanting to build on existing experience and step into higher-level roles.