KEY POINTS:
TRAINING PLACE
What: National Certificate in Electronic Security (Installer) Level 3.
Where: ETITO.
Contact: (09) 525 2590.
Email: info@etito.co.nz.
Website: www.etito.co.nz.
Entry Requirements: National Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 2) or equivalent skills and knowledge. Year 11 or 12 maths, science or English recommended for succeeding at level two.
Training costs: Mainly subsidised by ETITO. Remaining costs are negotiated between employer and apprentice.
Hourly rates: Newly qualified $25-$30 per hour. Electronic security systems job safe bet
Keeping homes and businesses secure through electronic security systems is the work of an electronic security technician who is trained in the installation of alarm systems, cameras, intercoms, sensors and access controls.
Electronic security technicians do a generic Level 2 certificate before moving into their specialisations at Levels 3 and 4.
Their on-job training involves keeping a record of their work and assessments by a workplace assessor. Off-job training is arranged by the ETITO through night school classes, correspondence, day release or block courses. In most cases, the majority of the off-job learning is done through assignments and practical learning during block courses.
Apprentices cover compulsory courses in electronic security sub-systems and terminology, installation requirements and procedures, regulations and standards, connection, testing and programming of intruder alarm systems and report writing and customer service skills. They also choose electives in practical installation of access control equipment, closed circuit television [CCTV] and security intercom equipment. Some 96 apprentices are undertaking the Level 3 electronic security training.
APPRENTICE
Lance Lunjevich (26)
Hi-Tech Security electronic security technician
We install electronic systems to provide security for businesses and homes. I was originally in the roofing trade, but roofing is a hard physical job and I couldn't see myself doing it when I was older.
I've always wanted a hands-on job with variety and that is exactly what this job offers. I could be installing an alarm one day, the next day a camera system or access control.
Before installing a system we talk to the customer about their security requirements and then assess the site to engineer a system to suit.
Once decided, we run cables to the termination box and mount all peripheral devices such as keypads, sensors, panic buttons.
Then we test and programme the system and, lastly, show the client how to use it.
I had the option of doing my Level 2 electrical engineering certificate part-time but decided to do a six-month full-time course at Manukau Institute of Technology so I could get on board more quickly with David.
For Level 3, we do assignments before attending block courses at the Appliance Industry Training Centre which end with two-hour exams.
The courses come up regularly during the year. I missed one in November because we were really busy so I'll attend it in March.
It is good you can do it at your own pace.
The only negative is that there is nobody exactly at my level on the course. There are some behind me and some ahead so I haven't been able to buddy up with anyone.
At work, I get signed off on each aspect by the boss in a workbook. With an alarm system, I have to install a number of devices and get signed off on three different types of installations, such as alarm, CCTV, intercom or access control systems.
I was really surprised at how much computer technology was involved. A lot of our systems are programmed by laptops, particularly the large commercial sites. I was weak on computers when I started and it still isn't my strongest area but I'm getting there.
I've started doing my own installs in the weekend but I want to stay with David as long as I can because I'm learning so much from him.
EMPLOYER
David Tiong
Hi-Tech Security
I have an electrical engineering background and have been in this business nearly 20 years. We are access control and security systems specialists, mainly for commercial, although we do some domestic.
In this business, your reputation rests on getting it right first time so it is essential to do things meticulously right from the start. There is always a demand for technicians and a good one is hard to find and harder to keep. Lance is my second apprentice and I chose him because I liked his personality and he was presentable.
The course delivers solid systematic training for our trade that provides uniformity of standards which is good because we all train differently.
This work best suits people with engineering aptitude and reasonable maths and physics.
You also need good communication skills because, as well as installing the system, you also have to explain the use of it properly to the customer so they don't need to keep calling you back.
