Installers on a learning curve...

07 Sep 09

Further to Security Installer’s ongoing campaign ‘Support Installer Apprenticeships' in which we have documented modern apprenticeship learning, I have now been working as a moderator with City & Guilds in producing the new 1852 award specialist and core units.

From this, I can safely say that the industry is soon to officially introduce revised National Occupational Standards (NOS) for the electronic security systems sector.

These will now encompass electronic article surveillance and personnel alarm systems – including integrated techniques – alongside our more established fire, intruder, access control and CCTV technologies.

Reflecting new industry trends, they will become known as the 'knowledge of electronic emergency and security systems' and go onto the Qualifications Credit Framework.

This is a new framework which involves the allocation of credits to units so they can join together to form qualifications with different credit levels.

It is a futuristic and harmonised learning approach for our scheme with new qualification pathways.

Underpinning knowledge

I deliberately mention the technical elements of the National Occupational Standards since they act as the underpinning knowledge that is required by electronic security systems installation people of all age groups, not just for apprentices. I will elaborate on this a little later in this article.

Alongside the modern apprenticeship route for younger people, we now have the Systems Qualification scheme to satisfy those over the age of 24. This runs in conjunction with a number of governmental financial training initiatives now being put in place.

It is rather interesting to note that City & Guilds is the first UK awarding body to offer Europass Certificate Supplements which reduce cross border barriers to employment and make it easier for every learner to find employment or training beyond the borders of their own country.

It acts as a clear incentive for all to participate in official forms of training and education that lead to recognised qualifications.

I would also like to make a few points in recognition of the other training programmes. beyond those of traditional apprenticeships, that are available to the wider workforce.

CPD – What's that all about?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a term that we are beginning to hear more of in our industry.

Officially, its focus is set firmly on results and is formed from a combination of techniques that help us to learn by external courses, further study or induction courses with observation and feedback.

In practice, we can't avoid learning in our sector if we are to progress since we are now heavily influenced by new technologies.

Security installations increasingly use IT programmable equipment, networking and remote communications.

IT problems need support services, so manufacturers' training is vital.

It is no longer the case that new high profile lines can be introduced into installation without some sort of help structure.

For this reason we need all those free educational seminars, new product technology showcases, test areas and learning zones that we find at many security road-shows, which offer guidance and expertise for the installer.

Alternatively, they may be at the main manufacturers' premises.

In addition to this, we have associations that provide free presentations for system designers, installers and even end users – important because of the shift to integrated systems with an IT basis. We are also witnessing the change from analogue to digital networking solutions with high definition IP into mainstream CCTV.

IP transformation

IP CCTV is certainly transforming the security industry and, as software developers create innovative new applications such as video analytics and intelligence, the technology has to be understood.

The law is something else we must contend with. In the fire sector there are changes in safety legislation and there is a need to be fully compliant.

The Fire and Security Association and Fire Protection Association have their fire training routes available for those specialising in the fire detection, alarms and emergency lighting sector with modular training and new qualification routes for those looking to develop competencies.

So, on top of courses for network and IT based security plus training in those areas where the law is a particular issue, we also have manufacturers' product events that cover a huge variety of security related equipment – even night-time training in advanced CCTV lighting.

Now, what about a few alternative programmes related to education in our sector?

Alternative programmes 'at home'

For those who prefer to learn security either at home or in their own workplace, it is worth considering an industry BTEC course taken in the form of an interactive distance learning programme managed and overseen by a reputable training centre.

These are available as fully accredited courses to cover all the main disciplines including electronic principles for security and IP networking. They can be done at a trainee's own pace with a personal tutor on line who is specifically geared to the security systems industry.

These are vocational training programmes which are accredited into the National Qualifications Framework and are offered by a large number of awarding bodies in partnership with the Learning and Skills Council and the Sector Skills Development Agency.

Vocational qualifications vary in terms of size, level and assessment arrangements and must meet a set of criteria that sets them apart from other qualifications.

It is possible to obtain BTEC qualifications to show you have learned relevant skills designed for security through a major awarding body such as Edexcel or City & Guilds – and all done at a convenient time and place.

How about more options?

Hands-on training days that cover the installation and operation of specific equipment – or a distributor's product lines – typically consist of product overviews, system assembly, programming and trouble shooting.

Taking vocational qualifications on a stage – and for those wanting accredited vocational qualifications with practical input via short courses – there is a vast range of programmes available covering installation plus systems management and operation. These take place over a period of several days and involve personal attendance at an accredited training centre rather than being distance learning based.

On successful completion of a test paper, the award of BTEC certificates illustrate just how the candidate has acquired the competency and skills to carry out particular roles.

At higher levels, BTEC offers diplomas for both systems and operations. Trainees accumulate a number of units obtained by completing a range of training subjects.

An extension to this is the new university Foundation Degrees that have been developed, once again, to use the National Occupational Standards as reference material.

Huge variety of training

So we have a multitude of official training programmes available for security installers that start as NVQs which form a part of our youngster's modern apprenticeship scheme.

These qualifications are work related and at a competence level based on the National Occupational Standards and achieved by assessment and training with on the job observation and questioning.

We also have further government initiatives in the draft Apprenticeship Bill. This is intended to make it even easier for employers to offer apprenticeships and ensure that, when implemented, there will be enough apprenticeship places available. It will include both school leavers and more mature candidates.

Skills for Security have recently announced the Modern Apprenticeship Group's acceptance of the new Scottish apprenticeship framework.

The hope is that this latest initiative north of the border will attract young people into security. For mature candidates there are equal opportunities and a vast range of alternative mainstream educational security courses available, either distance learning or by attending an accredited training provider's centre. There is also the Train to Gain initiative for adults. This is controlled through an accredited industry training provider such as Skills for Security, who also administer the modern apprenticeship route.

Train to Gain is funded by the government and helps adults achieve their first Level 2 NVQ so it presents an ideal work based opportunity for mature security systems installers. Once again, it is a scheme using the National Occupational Standards to form the syllabus.

Other learning packages lead to fringe activities such as Part P, mains compliance and courses related to CSCS/CPCS cards for entrance to construction sites. Any reputable training programme acts towards CPD and strengthens a company's status alongside its inspectorate approval.

When does training end?

There will always be innovation in our industry and we are committed to developing our own knowledge in line with industry progression.

So, in regard to learning and training, the question to be asked is does it ever end?

The answer is, surely, it never does because we have to keep on training in order to stay competitive. I suppose you can't beat someone who won't give in!

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