The security industry works very closely to the electrical industry and it presents several opportunities for Australia sparkies. John Fleming looks at the security industry as a whole and how to get involved.

There are many opportunities for electricians and technicians to work in the electronic security industry installing and maintaining CCTV, security alarms and access control systems.

Electronic security is a growing electrical sector with increasingly complex technology behind it.

To install cabling and equipment for an electronic security system including CCTV you require two separate registrations/licences. Acquiring both is a mandatory requirement before an electrician/technician can install any electronic security equipment.

Firstly, the technician requires a cabling registration as a minimum. This is a national requirement by the Australian Communication Media Authority (ACMA). The Open Registration is basic training that allows an electrician/technician after successful completion to install electronic security systems. The Open Registration gives you the platform to add on cabling competencies such as structured, fibre and co-axial.

Electricians should have a strong understanding of the technical aspects of security systems, including CCTV systems, access control systems, intrusion detection systems and alarms. This includes knowledge of hardware components, wiring and the integration of different security technologies.

Many security systems are interconnected and rely on networking principles. Electricians should be familiar with networking concepts, such as IP addressing, subnetting and configuring networked devices. Security electricians/technicians need to be proficient in programming and configuring security systems. This involves setting up user access levels, defining alarm triggers and integrating different components of the security infrastructure.

Clear communication is essential, both in understanding client requirements and in providing training to end users. Security technicians should be able to convey technical information in a way that is understandable to clients.

Given the rapid evolution of technology, security technicians should be committed to continuous learning. Staying informed about the latest security trends, technologies and best practices is essential for providing effective security solutions.

Overview of requirements for security licenses that are applicable in various jurisdictions:

To perform security installation work you are required to hold a security licence. Licensing requirements in Australia vary by State and Territory. It’s essential to check with the relevant authorities or licensing bodies for the most up-to-date information.

Working in the security industry unlicenced may void your insurance policy and you may receive a fine if you breach any of your licence conditions. Your licence could also be suspended or revoked by the regulator.

The ASIAL careers website (asial.com.au/careers) sets out in more detail some of the roles and responsibilities available working as a security technician.

Typically, applicants are generally required to be at least 18 years old, a thorough background check is conducted and individuals with a criminal history may face challenges in obtaining a security licence. Some states may have specific requirements related to citizenship or residency status. Proficiency in the English language will be required to ensure effective communication in security roles.

Queensland:

In Queensland, the Office of Fair Trading (qld.gov.au) oversees security licenses. A Security Firm licence is required for a person, partnership or corporation that engages security advisers and/or security equipment installers and supplies their services to others for a fee.

A person holding a Class 2 technical license can be a security adviser or security equipment installer. The definition of this work is: “Those who, for reward, install, repair, service or maintain any security equipment are required to be licensed.”

New South Wales:

The Security Licensing and Enforcement Directorate (SLED) (police.nsw.gov.au) is responsible for security licensing in NSW. Security employers (whether sole traders or corporate entities) must hold a Master Licence and only Master Licence holders can employ licensed security personnel.

Electronic Security industry employees must hold a Class 2 licence, depending on the security activities they perform including consultants, salespeople, technicians and trainers.

Victoria:

The Licensing and Regulation Division of the Victoria Police (police.vic.gov/private-security) manages licensing in Victoria. In Victoria, security firms, businesses and employees of security firms and businesses must be either licensed or registered.

Any person who installs security equipment or provides advice regarding security equipment needs to be registered.

For business operators, businesses providing security advice or security equipment installation services require Private Security Business Registration. For employees, security advisers and security equipment installers require Private Security Individual Registration.

Western Australia:

WA Police (police.wa.gov.au) oversees security licensing in Western Australia. There are two kinds of licenses and then an installer license, the first being an Agent (Business) License which covers businesses supplying security products or services.

Secondly, there’s the Security Consultant Licence which lets people investigate and advise on matters relating to the watching, guarding and protection of property; including security service and equipment sales.

For an electrician looking to install security systems in Western Australia, they need to receive a Security Installer License.

South Australia:

Consumer and Business Services (cbs.sa.gov.au) is responsible for security industry licensing in South Australia. In South Australia individuals, partnerships and companies supplying security agent services must all be licensed.

Security agent means a person who does one or more of the following:

• Provides advice on security alarm or surveillance systems
• Hires out or supplies security alarms or surveillance systems
• Installs or maintains security alarm or surveillance systems

Australian Capital Territory (ACT):

The ACT Government regulates security licensing through Access Canberra (accesscanberra.act.gov.au). In the ACT, security employers must hold a Master Licence and security industry employees must hold licences when conducting the following security activities:

• Advising about security equipment.
• Selling security equipment.
• Installing, maintaining, monitoring, repairing or servicing security equipment.
• Acting as a security consultant.
• Carrying out surveys and inspections of security equipment.

Tasmania and Northern Territory:

There is no requirement for electronic security in these two jurisdictions.

Note: This information is a general overview, and specific requirements can vary by state and territory. It’s crucial to consult the relevant regulatory authority or licensing body in the specific jurisdiction where you intend to work for the most accurate and current information.

For individuals passionate about technology, security and making a positive impact, the electronic security industry in Australia can offer a fulfilling and dynamic career path.