In an era when many young people feel the weight of an uncertain future, two veterans of the security industry are proving that success isn’t handed out – it’s earned through grit, savings and a textbook in hand.
Herman Ras and Frans Levitt, both 55, are not your average security professionals. Their journey into specialised training began in 2008, and after 18 years of dedicated study they are still hitting the books. Their message to the younger generation is simple: education is key to success and one is never too old to learn.
For Ras and Levitt the path to becoming highly qualified wasn’t paved with handouts. The duo emphasised they had to save their own money and fund every course they took.
Don’t look for others to help you, you have to help yourself,” said Ras. “Life is not hopeless, but you have to make the effort. We saved our own money to pay for our courses because we believed in the investment and we had a dream. You have to have a dream and a goal to work towards. You must want to better yourself.
This philosophy of self-reliance is what they hope to instill in youths who may feel discouraged by the current job market. They believe that while the world is challenging, taking initiative is the first step toward a breakthrough.
The two veterans are quick to point out that the security industry is far more than just “standing guard”. They view it as a massive professional landscape with vast opportunities for both men and women.
“The police cannot combat crime on their own,” Levitt pointed out. “The private security sector provides essential support and remains a booming field for employment.”
The pair see the industry as a perfect stepping stone that allows young people to enter the workforce and gain the discipline and qualifications needed to further themselves. There are also increasing professional opportunities for women within the sector.
Ras and Levitt’s 18-year commitment has seen them complete a rigorous Tactical Range Officers course. Today they are fully registered firearm instructors, range officers, tactical officers and tactical range Officers.
The duo now opens the doors to the community, to advise others making a go of the sector on crucial steps to take, including study. Whatever the specific niche within the security scope they want to share their knowledge. “If we can do it at 55, then anybody else can do it. You must have a dream and qualification. Contact us and we’ll share what we’ve learnt.”
Ras can be contacted on 083 227 2829 and Levitt on 073 382 9609.
