Security systems installers fit and service electronic systems which detect intruders and control access to buildings or sites. They fit alarms in houses and business premises.

The job can involve:

• working to security system plans drafted by a security surveyor or designer
• installing the security system and connecting it to control panels
• in some cases using wire-free or radio system links, and other technologies such as infrared and fibre optics
• testing the system and explaining to the customer/operator how to use it
• carrying out checks on existing systems and servicing them
• responding to call-outs to repair faulty systems. 

Some installers fit complex security systems including closed circuit television (CCTV), access control, and integrated systems.

Hours and Environment

Most security systems installers work from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Overtime and weekend work may be available. Maintenance fitters are expected to work outside normal hours and be on a duty rota to provide 24-hour cover to customers who have problems with their systems.

Installers work both indoors and outdoors on a variety of buildings. The job involves some lifting of equipment and could involve working at heights.

Occasionally installers may spend time away from home, including abroad, depending on the nature of the job.

Skills and Interests

To be a security systems installer you should:

• be good at practical work and able to use a variety of hand and power tools
• be interested in electronics
• be able to solve problems and follow plans and instructions
• be accurate and methodical
• have good communication skills
• be able to explain clearly to customers how systems operate
• be able to work as part of a team, and work alone without constant supervision
• be honest and trustworthy.

Entry

You will not need any particular academic qualifications for this type of work, but you will be at an advantage if you have GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in English, maths and science or a technical subject.

It will also be useful if you have previous experience in electrical work or electronics.

You must have normal colour vision. It will be useful to have a driving licence.

All approved security systems companies will run a security check on you.

You can do City and Guilds Certificate in Security and Emergency Alarm Systems (1852) at some colleges. Entry requirements for this vary – you are likely to need to either:

• be already employed in security alarm industry; or
• have an electrical or electronics background.

You should check with colleges for details.

Training

Once you have a relevant job you can do qualifications which are awarded jointly by City and Guilds and SITO (Security Industry Training Organisation), which has recently become part of Skills for Security. These are:

• NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3 in Providing Security, Emergency and Alarm Systems
• City and Guilds Certificate in Security and Emergency Alarm Systems (1852), which covers the knowledge requirements of the NVQ/SVQ and can be studied separately at some colleges.

Other training includes:

• short courses in particular security systems and products run by private training companies
• training schemes run by the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) for their approved companies.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

There are large and small security systems companies throughout the UK. Some companies may specialise in intruder alarms, CCTV, access control or fully integrated systems.

Self-employment is quite common.

Security systems companies are approved by either the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or by SSAIB.

There is increasing demand for security systems installers, and experienced installers could have opportunities for promotion and management.

With experience, installers could specialise in, for example:

• surveying properties and designing new systems
• installing and maintaining systems
• supervising and managing sales, installation or maintenance teams.
  

Annual Income

The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.

Security systems installers doing routine fitting are paid around £12,000.
Installers who do more complex work may be paid around £16,000.
Pay may rise to over £20,000.

Those who are self-employed or do contract work, and those working shifts and overtime will get paid more. The highest wages are paid in London and the south east.

Further information

Security House
Barbourne Road
Worcester
WR1 1RS
Tel: 0845 075 0111