The Security Industry Association (SIA) has secured approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for its national program standards establishing a new apprenticeship initiative for security technicians and installers. This 12-month program, created to help address the security industry’s workforce challenges, diversify the talent pipeline and foster career development opportunities within the industry, is designed to develop basic networking, IT and cybersecurity competence among systems installers through workplace learning and one-to-one mentoring.
The new Security Systems Technician (SST) apprenticeship program falls under the Information Security Analysts occupation group (O*NET Code 15-1212.00) aligning with other registered apprenticeship programs that address security for computer networks and information, such as cybersecurity support technician and cyber defence analyst. Unlike other related programs, the SST apprenticeship program uniquely addresses both physical device installation for low-voltage security equipment and cybersecurity controls for safeguarding electronic infrastructure and technology.
“SIA is proud to be presenting its new apprenticeship initiative, which provides a formal process for entry-level employees – without having any technical experience – to gain the skills necessary for physical security device installations and basic IT/networking knowledge required for today’s connected systems,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson, who was named to the SSI Industry Hall of Fame this year. “The program also advances SIA’s broader workforce development strategy, which aims to establish competence in cybersecurity and recruit diverse talent into the industry.”
SIA says the new apprenticeship program has three overarching goals:
● Raise the level of applied knowledge and skill in cybersecurity and information technology for systems technicians who are responsible for the proper installation, configuration, networking and troubleshooting of low-voltage security devices and equipment.
● Attract new talent into the security industry and provide a pathway for long-term career development in technical roles.
● Foster diversity through targeted recruitment efforts and partnerships with special interest groups supporting veterans, women and other underrepresented minority groups entering the workforce.
