Looking beyond traditional routes for technical apprentices

Against the backdrop of a significant gap between the security sector’s 1,200 apprenticeships and its 30,000 engineer shortage, is it time to look beyond the traditional school leaver route for the industry’s next generation of talent? RISCO provides an example, having recruited its latest apprentice from elsewhere in the electronics sector.

Conor Doyle, 23, has joined the manufacturer and distributor of cloud-based security solutions for UK and Ireland as a technical support apprentice, bringing with him a diverse range of relevant experience.

While living in Australia, he paired a sales and marketing role with that of electronics repair technician, having previously established his own server group with a friend and built PCs in his spare time.

Doyle’s apprenticeship is being delivered in association with training provider, Skills for Security, and will result in a customer service practitioner level 2 certificate.

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Instruction on products including RISCO’s wired, wireless and Bus-enabled commercial and residential solutions will be followed by a role in the company’s expanding technical and installer training department, where he will handle some of the 23,000 calls received annually by the company, providing professional security installers with first-line technical support.

Led by a technical and training manager and product support specialist, the department also includes a sales engineer, technical support and training engineers and a second apprentice.

“Building a long-term engineering career in security”

RISCO’s UK and Ireland Managing Director, Mark Taylor, explained: “We launched our apprenticeship programme in 2022 and were quickly impressed by the contribution that our school leaver apprentice made to our installer support service.

“This year, we have recruited a young man who has already gained valuable experience outside the security sector and look forward to nurturing his interest and proven talent in a role that will see him providing informed, rapid telephone support for installers delivering projects ranging from residential to large, multi-site commercial and industrial contracts, including Grade 3 installations.

“We are excited to see him flourish and build a long-term engineering career in security, helping to safeguard the future of this vital – and tremendously rewarding – industry.”

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