What is AddSecure doing to tackle the skills shortage?
“AddSecure’s goal when entering the UK is to bring the history and experience from over a decade of providing alarm services in Europe to a brand new marketplace. To succeed long-term in a new region, recognising the challenges, such as the skills shortage, and tackling them early is key.”
“Right away we made a plan to ensure Smart Alarms was properly equipped to deal with demand, both today and in ten years’ time. Therefore, in September 2024 we began a partnership with Skills for Security, an apprenticeship provider specialising in fire and security alarm systems. This allows us to train a new generation of alarm technicians. So far, AddSecure has carried out 16 training sessions across three different locations, training 240 apprentices in our first year. While this alone is a fantastic achievement, we don’t intend to rest on our laurels.”
What are AddSecure’s responsibilities as part of the partnership?
“We work closely with Skills for Security’s training coordinator who carries out training with our apprentices. As part of the curated programme, they are shown how to install AddSecure’s NGP portfolio specifically, and by the end of the course they are able to install the technology and learn how to diagnose product faults in the field.”
“We also had the pleasure of attending Skills for Security’s careers fair, hosted by Walsall F.C, where school children had the opportunity to learn more about the fire and security industry. The day itself was incredibly rewarding, and hopefully we see some of those pupils join our company in a few years’ time.”
What does an AddSecure training session entail?
“We have tailored the course to be a mixture of theory and practical learning, which keeps the session dynamic and accommodates all learning styles. The session starts with a presentation on the history of AddSecure, the values of the company and what makes it stand out from its competitors. We then move onto a detailed overview of the products that we offer in the UK market.”
“This leads neatly onto the practical element of the training where we power the NGP units up. As well as giving a demonstration on the products, we let the apprentices use the equipment for themselves. This hands-on learning is incredibly beneficial for understanding how the products operate and will help them have a better understanding once they are qualified.”
“Our course makes a point to detail the support available to apprentices when they are qualified and working in the industry, including our helpdesk, the NGP App and portal. It’s crucial to AddSecure that we properly support installers at all levels and give as much resource as possible.”
“We finish the session with a fun quiz where the winners get some coveted AddSecure treats, as well as giving the apprentices handouts with all the information for them to take away. This helps build relationships with the apprentices and gives them everything they need to pass their course.”
“At the end of the course, the apprentices receive a certificate to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum. This is given to Skills for Security to add to the apprentices’ records for when they finish their training course.”
What are AddSecure’s plans for the future?
“While we’re proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short time, we want to extend the intake and ensure that more apprentices have access to AddSecure’s resources. We’re also keen to continue our partnership with Skills for Security, supporting them at their career’s fairs and exhibitions which they have recently brought to new cities around the UK. In short, we have big plans for the future – watch this space.”
If you’re interested in a career with AddSecure, find out more here.