Is wireless fire tech the answer that fire and building safety professionals are looking for?
July 25, 2022
With the fire industry facing unprecedented challenges, we hear how wireless technology could be the answer to many prayers. Read More
The link between manufacturers of fire and security systems and the professionals monitoring CCTV feeds in the control room, installers perform a vital role. They do more than just install CCTV, intruder alarms, access control systems, fire alarms and other systems; they also help customers design a system fit for purpose for their needs – in terms of number and type of cameras, their position, the choice of NVR, VMS and back-up storage, and so on.
Also known as engineers, they increasingly position themselves as ‘integrators’ of increasingly interoperable, disparate systems. Often, this requires a knowledge of both hardware installation and software commissioning processes, as end-users and customers demand ever-more connected physical security systems – such as linking up a video surveillance system with access control.
Technological change is transforming physical-security technologies and with it the installer’s role. Continual education is therefore paramount if they are to adapt their business models to thrive in a fast-evolving landscape. Cyber security, for instance, is a major priority as installers upskill, and many are moving beyond merely selling boxes of equipment to a service-based model amid the rise of the cloud and remote maintenance. And, as security and fire systems become more integrated, it is crucial that engineers play their part in protecting devices from potential cyber attacks – an issue that the entire supply chain must address.
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is aiming to support installers in improving their cyber understanding of physical devices, having launched a cyber security code of practice for engineers in July 2020.
Young apprentices battling it out at the IFSEC & FIREX Engineers of Tomorrow competition
Similarly to many trade-based industries, such as the plumbing, heating and building sectors, there is a widely acknowledged and growing skills gap in the electrical security and fire engineering profession. Attempts are being made to combat it, with larger installer companies such as SECOM and Banham Security hosting their own apprenticeship training schemes, while external training specialists – the BSIA-owned Skills for Security, for instance – are also working hard to improve standards and numbers of the next generation of installers coming through.
A major step forward was the implementation of the FESS (Fire, Emergency and Security Systems) apprenticeship standard, following a Government Review of all apprenticeships across England. You can read our guide to the standard, below.
Additional apprenticeship news and initiatives include:
You can follow the latest news and advice for installers, integrators and security and fire system designers by signing up to the IFSEC Global Installer focused newsletter.
July 25, 2022
With the fire industry facing unprecedented challenges, we hear how wireless technology could be the answer to many prayers. Read More
July 21, 2022
ECHO, the automated alarm signal transfer service, has won the National Partnership Award at the British Security Awards 2022. Read More
July 15, 2022
BigChange reveals how the latest business automation technology has helped ComLink Fire and Security double its business in just 18 months. Read More
July 12, 2022
London-based security provider, Banham, has continued its expansion as it has acquired Swindon-based Tops Security. Read More
June 24, 2022
The skills gap remains an issue for those installing fire and security systems, but change is underway explains Andy Reakes and Trevor Jenks. Read More
June 13, 2022
PSI is inviting security systems installers to its Next Generation event on 22 June at Luton Hoo, with a series of live training sessions. Read More
June 9, 2022
The ECHO automated alarm signalling system could be graduating to fire and rescue services, delegates at FIREX International 2022 heard. Read More
May 30, 2022
Designed to raise awareness of the opportunities for careers in the fire & security industry, SERC is hosting a Fire Security Careers Day in early June. Read More
May 25, 2022
The highly regarded IFSEC & FIREX Engineers of Tomorrow competition is back for 2022 - with the winners set to compete at WorldSkills UK. Read More
May 16, 2022
The stakeholders are delighted to reveal the 2022 Engineers of Tomorrow finalists, who will battle it out live at IFSEC and FIREX. Read More