Career Suggestion

Security systems installer

Security systems installers fit, service and repair electronic systems and equipment, like alarms, door access controls and CCTV.

Average salary (a year)

£24000.0 to £45000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

40.0 to 43.0

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on a rota

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee position.

Courses include:

  • fire detection and alarm systems
  • electronic fire and security systems
  • electrical and electronic engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Fire Emergency and Security Systems Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You could also do a Smart Home Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. This apprenticeship teaches you how to install and set up 'smart' security systems in homes.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you've got experience in electrical or electronics work.

Employers may expect you to have GCSEs, or similar qualifications, in English, maths, science and a technical subject.

Other Routes

You could study to become a security systems installer with a private training organisation. These can be found online and through the National Security Inspectorate .

More Information

Career Tips

It's important to compare what training courses cover, how they're done and whether they lead to a recognised qualification.

Further Information

You can find out more about working in the security industry from the British Security Industry Association .

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • practical skills for installing equipment
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • problem-solving skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a security systems installer, you could:

  • speak to customers about their security plans
  • work out an installation design based on customer needs
  • install or upgrade security systems in domestic and commercial properties
  • test systems, find faults and fix them
  • show customers how to use their security equipment
  • respond to emergency call-outs and equipment failures
  • do routine maintenance on intruder alarms, fire alarms, security lighting and CCTV

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.

With experience, you could:

  • manage a team of installation engineers
  • specialise in an area, such as security system design or fire safety
  • move into contract and equipment sales
  • set up your own security systems company

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