How to become a Security System Technician
Security system technicians fit and repair security systems in homes and businesses. Security system technicians work mainly indoors and sometimes have to work in confined roof spaces. They have considerable contact with customers in businesses and in private homes.
Personal requirements for a Security System Technician
- Enjoy practical and manual activities
- Normal colour vision and eyesight (may be corrected)
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Aptitude for technical activities
Education & Training for a Security System Technician
To become a security system technician you usually have to complete an apprenticeship or traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Duties & Tasks of a Security System Technician
Security system technicians:
- Inspect sites and talk to clients to determine security requirements
- Provide estimates to clients for installation of equipment
- Route cables through roof spaces, cavity walls and support structures and position and terminate cables, wires and strappings
- Mount, position, calibrate, program and label all items of equipment
- Test equipment and diagnose faults
- Make connections to telephone lines for alarm monitoring
- Maintain and adhere to operational procedures and complete appropriate documentation
- Be responsible for assigned tools, plant and test equipment
- Survey the workplace and complete a safety work method statement prior to commencement.
Tasks
- Analyses, recommends, installs and maintains software security applications and monitors contractual obligations, performance delivery and service level agreements.
- Accepts responsibility for the processes, procedures and operational management associated with system security and disaster recovery planning.
- Liaises with security vendors, suppliers, service providers and external resources.
Working conditions for a Security System Technician
Security system technicians must develop a knowledge of the range of security equipment, including electronic and electrical surveillance systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV), as well as knowledge of simple electronic principles and terminating techniques. They must also understand the principles of operation and characteristics of controllers, detectors, relays, sirens, screamers and telephone circuits.
Employment Opportunities for a Security System Technician
Security system technicians are employed by security system installation companies. There has been significant growth in this field in recent years, especially in home security. With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to become self-employed or the manager of a team of security system technicians.
Specializations
Security Adviser
A security adviser assesses risks and advises clients on security requirements, and designs and recommends security systems to meet security requirements. Security advisers may also conduct surveillance and make recommendations to improve security measures.
Security System Technician
Security system technicians fit and repair security systems in homes and businesses. Security system technicians work mainly indoors and sometimes have to work in confined roof spaces. They have considerable contact with customers in businesses and in private homes.
Average age
45
Future Growth
N/A
Gender Share
3% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
N/A
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
63%
Employment Size
1,400
Employment by state
ACT: 11.4%
NSW: 35.5%
NT: 0.3%
QLD: 11.8%
SA: 4.7%
TAS: 0.5%
VIC: 30.4%
WA: 5.4%
Age brackets
15-19: 0.7%
20-24: 3.9%
25-34: 27.7%
35-44: 36.6%
45-54: 21.8%
55-59: 5.2%
60-64: 2.6%
65 and Over: 1.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 12.4%
Bachelor degree: 40.3%
Certificate III/IV: 8.8%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 23.2%
Year 10 and below: 2.5%
Year 11: 1.3%
Year 12: 11.6%
