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Managing Editor, IFSEC Insider

Author Bio ▼

James Moore is the Managing Editor of IFSEC Insider, the leading online publication for security and fire news in the industry. James writes, commissions, edits and produces content for IFSEC Insider, including articles, breaking news stories and exclusive industry reports. He liaises and speaks with leading industry figures, vendors and associations to ensure security and fire professionals remain abreast of all the latest developments in the sector.
October 20, 2020

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Installers & COVID-19

Making a difference: Why you should be considering a career in security

The rapid, unparalleled change in economies, work and home environments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in global career shock, jolting millions out of their jobs and countless others out of their comfort zones. Here, Umar Haq, Director of Learn CCTV, shows why the security industry is not only bucking the trend, but also providing a carefully crafted and accredited route for those looking to enter or advance, with an essential role to play to keep homeowners and businesses safe and secure.

Increasingly people are realising there is not much stability within the structures they once explicitly and unquestioningly trusted. On top of this, many are questioning their values and purpose, wanting to pursue work that has meaning and impact, and which drives satisfaction.

The security industry

The security industry is one that has a vital role to play, to ensure the safety and security of people, assets and buildings. Actively thriving against the challenges of coronavirus, it is responding to a concern for safety that naturally strengthens in times of uncertainty and struggle.

In business, the security industry has ensured systems are in place for the continued safety of all personnel, alongside the security and control of an increasingly empty company building and its assets.

As companies began to reopen, our industry offered support networks and opportunities to ensure a safe and secure return to work, with necessary solutions, such as fever screening or mask detection analytics, installed as required.

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And we will as an industry continue to offer these critical services to ensure businesses can remain open safely to encourage growth, in accordance with ever changing Government guidelines, and the adaptation of the ‘new normal.’

Home security

Our homes have been our safe place through COVID-19. With increased remote working, they have further morphed into becoming the centre of our world, where we live, work, raise our families and fulfil our entertainment needs.

From a crime perspective, during full lockdown, reports of theft and burglaries plummeted – halving year-on-year – as houses were no longer left unoccupied during the day and burglars were restricted by lockdown curfews at night.

Since these restrictions were lifted and despite regionalised lockdowns and national restrictions, rates are rising again.

Sadly, the societal impacts of job losses, which is having “consequences for individuals, communities and the impact on societal behaviour” – are all causing an increase in crime.

In response, whilst homeowners may be swayed by the increase in smart home, DIY solutions available to the market, many are looking for professional guidance. This is not only to ensure the right product is selected, but also for correct installation to protect against crime.

Getting on board with security

With the increase in demand for residential and business security, comes the need for more accredited security installers and engineers.

Even before COVID-19, the essential skills shortage in the industry had been well documented. Unlike other industries, being able to understand and apply the technical aspects of security installation, whether traditional or encompassing the latest smart solutions (or often a mixture of both) quickly and efficiently, is vital to success.

One only has to look at the sheer range of video doorbells as one example. Many latest generation smart offerings still require mains power and professional electrician involvement to install and ensure homeowners can take full advantage.

Likewise, true smart security solutions involve integration into smart home systems on a general level, to enable the control and effectively reap the benefits, including selection of features to create the smart home environment. And unfortunately, in today’s world, the second issue with poor installation is the increasing risk of technology being compromise or attacked.

It is up to professional system designers to create and promote designs (perhaps less costly without compromising on standards or security) that go beyond the obvious and offer integrated solutions for a home or business premises.

It is then the responsibility of installers to actively promote the home concepts, lifestyle choices or alternatives to DIY and traditional monitored alarms or bells-only systems. This is right from initial product choices to dedicated maintenance offerings, and demonstrate our know how and confidence in the new technology (product and install) with the consumer.

For this to occur, the industry must ensure professional training is available for those who want to learn or even pivot skills to something new and present experience available to solve the issues.

Being open to diversification in welcoming new recruits to the industry comes with a willingness to learn from other industries. And, the commitment has been repaid by newly accredited engineers and installers introducing different ways of working whilst learning the core skills necessary for the security industry.

Learn CCTV

Learn CCTV is constantly adapting its course structure to enable existing installers and engineers to enhance their skills, whilst also inviting newcomers to the industry to train and meet the expected standards and increasing demand for home and business security.

Working with leading suppliers including Paxton and Videx, Learn CCTV presents accredited training to install security systems including CCTV, intruder alarms, access control and door entry. Plus, a course to combine systems into a seamless integrated solution.

This is right from basic level to advanced, catering for individuals either looking to start out, or take the next steps in their security career. And, we know any training needs to be hands on, and not just based on PowerPoint presents and theory.

With this in mind, to meet the demand for qualified security engineers and installers, it’s not just about looking within, but also thinking differently, understanding the bigger picture and starting to welcome the opportunities and people coming from outside our industry.

Here lies the potential for a fresher industry wide working environment, whilst still entrusted with the core skills and knowledge necessary to ensure a professional installation. This all combines to achieve the requirements of today’s increasingly discerning and security-aware customers, who so crave peace of mind for their home and business, especially at this difficult time.

Find out more about Learn CCTV.

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