Engineers of Tomorrow 2021: Registration live!
January 21, 2021
Engineers of Tomorrow is back for 2021, and registration for those wishing to take part is now live! 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.
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.
Does your business install, integrate or maintain intruder alarm systems (or have plans to)? This trend report reveals the latest trends and installer insight into the sector, so be sure to take a look!
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 concerning 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 run 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:
A beginner’s guide to security franchises
Sales Tips for Security & Fire Installers
Marketing Advice for Security Installers
Is that ‘Bit of Work on the Side’ Worth the Risk?
How to Kill Your Installation Business in 6 Easy Steps
Some Corners a Security Installation Shouldn’t Cut
Screening and Vetting Job Candidates to British Standard 7858
Is Partnering With Manufacturers: Good or Bad?
Installers Have to Answer the Call
Should Security Installers Diversify into Fire?
Smart Buildings: New Code of Practice for Connected Systems Integration
The Morphing Integrator: The Role of the Security Systems Integrator Evolves
CCTV Guide – Setting your Objectives and Requirements
3 Key Elements of any CCTV system
Specifying and Installing Fire-Rated Partitions and Doors
IP Integration in Fire Safety: FIA
Building Information Modelling: Merits and Limitations for Installers
Overpromising & Underdelivering: How Cutting-Edge Tech Is Often a Waste of Money
Pros and Cons of choosing a Small vs Large Integrator
Physical Security Information Management: an integrator’s view
January 21, 2021
Engineers of Tomorrow is back for 2021, and registration for those wishing to take part is now live! Read More
January 14, 2021
Are more sophisticated CCTV systems enabling greater collaboration and generating demand for expertise from external integration companies? Read More
December 21, 2020
Skills for Security has awarded Matthew Aindow Apprentice of the Year after scoring 93% in his End Point Assessment (EPA). Read More
December 18, 2020
Paxton has produced a new series of Net2 tutorials to support installers with the latest features in its access control software. Read More
December 15, 2020
Chris Price talks to five industry leaders from different perspectives in the sector about how they coped with COVID and asks them to look forward to 2021. Read More
December 14, 2020
How new employee engagement software has supported the wellbeing of engineers at installation firm, Amthal Fire and Security. Read More
December 8, 2020
The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme has issued a reminder regarding the new requirements for FESS occupations. Read More
November 23, 2020
Tavcom Training is celebrating its 25-year anniversary, having trained and certified in excess of 50,000 learners since its inception. Read More
November 16, 2020
David Mowatt outlines the reasons behind the SCA’s introduction of a third-party accredited smoke control Installer certification scheme. Read More
November 11, 2020
Paxton has launched several COVID-secure updates for Net2, alongside launching its new installer app to support systems installers. Read More