ESI Training course

[Bedouin]

I apologize if this has been covered once before,

I have been attempting find employment in the EP arena but I have a feeling that my lack of previous EP experience is getting in the way. I have been told that the best way to find a job is to get the training and certifications in a decent course. A friend of mine suggested the folks at ESI.
I guess I’m wondering if anyone has any first-hand knowledge of these guys? I was thinking of enrolling in the distance learning course followed by the 15 day residency program.

If anyone out there has completed this program I would appreciate any info you can share on it, good or bad...

thanks

[Local Talent]

We have at least one graduate on board here (Dhernandez2319) and another member who took the online courses (mountainman). If they (or others) don't chime in, you could always try a PM.

ESI is one of the nationally recognized names in EP schools, as you probably know, but I don't have what you need: first-hand knowledge.
I must say that although top training is desirable, and you can't have too much of a good thing, you may find that work is still hard to come by after graduation so it's not a panacea, just one of the requisites.

You mentioned elsewhere having years of experience in overseas protective work on top of your military service, and that my friend, is already invaluable. So while (more) training can't hurt, I'd reassess my job-seeking strategy if I were you.
Are you talking to the right people? Do you have a professional & effective resume and cover letters? How well do you interview? Are you completely licensed to work in your area (you got your GC, but what about a gun permit, pepper spray, 1st Aid/CPR/AED?)? Are you being too picky in this economy?

Keep in mind that there are a lot of applicants out there, and there's few things more appealing to a company than someone already employed. That seems like a catch-22, but that really means that if you're not already working, you may want to join a low-level detail (I know that even those aren't that easy to get these days :() and use it as a stepping stone.

[mountainman]

i took a few of the distance ed modules about 3 years ago, i actually did these for college credit and got a school loan for them! i think there one of the better schools out there, good luck. speaking of that , doesn't this site offer a course? and how do i get a hold of someone for info?

[Local Talent]

[...] doesn't this site offer a course? and how do i get a hold of someone for info?
That's easy! Bodyguard Training International (BTI, http://www.usabodyguards.com/manual.shtml), run by David LaManno (SCBA member & sponsor "usabodyguard"). I have no personal experience or connection with BTI, but it's obviously a very extensive course & manual (http://www.socalbodyguards.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1520#post1520), and AFAIK, the only one for us of the kind in SoCal. Definitely an option worth a look.
I see traveling seminars now and then, most of the time from people I've never heard of, and TFTT offers an excellent VIP Protection 5-day course (took that one and it's a steal and a blast), but it's more a crash course than a full-on training program (http://tftt.com/TFTT_PSD.htm).
There's also TopGun (http://www.1topgun1.com/) and SafeHouse (http://www.safehouse.com/exectrain.htm), that I know nothing about, but otherwise, there's not much for us locally as far as EP training.

For those of you desperate to break into the profession, young and with little experience or training, the option I often bring up is to contact companies like (https://www.gavindebecker.com/) or ASC (http://aboutasc.com/about/index.php). They love younger guys, preferably ex-military, and with no pre-conception of how things should be done (they'll tell you).

All of the above is easily found elsewhere on this forum, that has already a wealth of intel to offer. :)

[mountainman]

WOW! these guys have some great classes! thinking about taking there tactical handgun class in Sacramento. i wish someone had a EP course closer to home, they only do them in the L.A. area, due to access of venues and such. but a great selection none the less.

[Local Talent]

Yeah, I also took a tac pistol course from Max Joseph and it's top notch, no doubt. I have no idea who would be closer to you than his course in Sacramento, but I highly recommend him. The class is very professional, high speed and no BS, but it's also a lot of fun (Max is a riot when off the firing line).
And if you're not already familiar with it, Max will teach you the very useful "Position Sul", which he helped design.

ITTS (http://www.internationaltactical.com/) is also tops in the same AO, but they don't come close to you.

We have a few more sources for tac training, but as far as EP, I think BTI is the way to go, locally.