Do you define yourself as an security installer or an engineer? Or perhaps an integrator or technician?
Perhaps it doesn’t much matter what you’re called.
Might ‘engineer’ have a more compelling ring, particularly with home automation an increasingly attractive revenue stream for those in the business-to-business sector? After all, many smart-home technologies can be ‘installed’ by a home’s occupants; they probably wouldn’t presume to ‘engineer’ anything.
We asked a number of security professionals for their views on the changing nature of security installations and the implications for how the trade defines itself.
Two security professionals whose job titles define them as engineers, a former SSAIB inspector and the MD of dual signalling pioneer CSL DualCom also ponder how the modern installer/engineer (delete as preferred) needs to adapt to an increasingly IT-driven industry.
The apparent dearth of up-to-date skills – highlighted below by CSL DualCom MD Simon Banks – points to lucrative opportunities for those who do possess them.
Gerard Cooper, MD and co-founder, Allcooper
“While our company was built upon the foundations of installation, maintenance and support, the demand has risen significantly for multi-skilled providers who can design and install multiple systems, then integrate them with each other effectively to deliver a more complete solution.
“There are still multi-channel disciplines for a variety of skills. First fix and second fix are essentially universal, however it is the commissioning and ongoing management of systems where the higher level skill sets are required.
“The term ‘engineer’ is more respected in Europe; in the UK, it has connotations with heavy industry. So, you could say there are installers, integrators, technical sales people and technical service staff (to keep things running), who all need to work together.”
Mark Cunningham, assessor, Skills for Security
“In an ideal world there should be a clear distinction between the two. To draw an analogy, if you needed brain surgery you would want it done by a brain surgeon, not a GP!
“This is where NOS (National Occupational Standards) are important and anyone wanting to call themselves an engineer rather than an installer should as a minimum have completed formal training and achieved a relevant recognised technical qualification.
“What’s the difference? Well an installer may know what to do to install certain pieces of equipment – ie fix them to the wall and join them up with wires to a control panel.
“An engineer requires underpinning knowledge with a different skill set, provided by formal training and qualification. An engineer understands therefore not just how to install equipment but how the technology works, what it’s limitations are, how to install it safely (a badly installed system can potentially cause death by electrocution or cause a building fire) and how to site it for optimum performance, to avoid false activation, prevent loss of police response and to ensure insurance cover.
“As a purchaser, specifier or insurer, which would you prefer?”
Samantha Bennett, engineering manager at ADB Alarms [see full interview here]
“When I first started at ADB the term ‘installation engineer’ was appropriate, but now I’m leaning toward integrator.
“Home/office automation is on its way and ADB want to be at the forefront. It’s a very exciting prospect with so many possibilities.
“Over the course of my time in the industry [11 years] the role has changed dramatically. When I first started at ADB we were mostly installing hard-wired systems, which took several weeks to install, and occasionally groundwork if underground cabling was required.
“Now we see a wide range of wireless systems with long-range capability, which are easy to install, thus cutting down installation time and manual effort required. Honestly, the new recruits have no idea how good they have it!
“Your knowledge has to be vast, not to mention your memory. This is where the older engineers come into play.
“I work alongside two fantastic gentlemen who have both been in the industry for over 35 years. Occasionally the new technology baffles them and we often find our younger staff teaching them the new technology, as they teach us about the old.”
Simon Banks, MD, CSL DualCom
“In the new Apprentice Trailblazer curriculum the government has advised that it would be inappropriate to refer to alarm installers as engineers, with their preferred job title as technician.
“To most alarm companies, engineers will always be engineers in name. I believe that the spectrum of understanding expected from our technicians/engineers is so broad and diverse they deserve more credit – something not prominent enough within the term technician.
“In any event, we should be more predisposed to the fact that our industry needs an additional intake of more than 10,000 skilled individuals if we’re to provide our sector with the balance of skills at the right salary level and a realistic work/leisure expectation.
“At present, proficient ‘alarm engineers’ are so rare they are becoming too valuable to be reasonably sustained within our sector’s eco-system, especially for SMEs. This transient lifecycle will inevitably stretch our resources too thinly, leading to a decline in standards, quality and morale.”
CSL DualCom helped set up Apprentices Fire and Security, which has placed more than 2,300 16-24 year olds into careers in these sectors in just four years. The company will also once again support the Engineers of Tomorrow Competition, where apprentice installers complete an installation challenge against the clock for prizes, at IFSEC International 2016
Mike Lynskey, ex-installer and former SSAIB inspector
“After installing well over 1,000 systems I called myself an ‘alarm engineer’ – but I had no written qualifications for engineering.
“‘OK, I’ll be an alarm technician then!’ Only to be told that I needed a technical qualification, like a BTECH. So I’m an installer. I even have a friend who calls himself a ‘practitioner’.
“And how many times have you met someone with qualifications coming out of his ears, yet he cannot recognise the sharp end of a screwdriver?
“Then there’s the guy who could do the job blindfolded but hasn’t a qualification of any sort. This is the installer, the ‘man who can’.
“It’s irrelevant what fancy title you give someone – if he installs things, he is an installer.
“So is the title ‘installer’ becoming redundant? For my money, no; if they’re capable and competent they deserve the title ‘installer’ regardless of qualifications.
“One final word: many years ago we passed a van in Bradford with ladders on top. On the van was sign-written ‘Flueologist”! It was a good half hour before we realised he was a chimney sweep. As they say on Monty Python: ‘Say no more!’”
Harry Halfacre, engineer, Secure Engineering
“I think the shift towards computer-based commissioning will continue, moving away from DVR and NVR storage to more network-based systems. Installation will change as components become smaller and lighter and engineers will be able to deal with minor camera issues via remote access to site.
“Engineers will need frequent training to keep up with constantly changing technology and to ensure that sites are safe from the cyber threat.”
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