Maintenance

Security systems installer

Security systems installers fit and service electronic systems that detect intruders or control access to buildings and sites.

Annual Salary

£19,000 to £32,000

Working hours

41 to 43 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on a rota

4.1%
Future employment

There will be 4.1% fewer Security systems installer jobs in 2027.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you could:

  • discuss security plans with customers
  • carry out site surveys
  • install security systems, like building access controls, fire and intruder alarms, and electronic surveillance equipment
  • test systems, find faults and fix them
  • show customers how to use their security equipment
  • service existing systems
  • respond to call-outs to repair faulty systems

Working environment

You could work at a client's home or at a client's business.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and at height.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations
College

You could take a college course like:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Providing Electronic Fire and Security Systems
  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could get into this career by completing an advanced apprenticeship in security systems.

You could also do a smart home technician advanced apprenticeship, if you want to install and set up 'smart' security systems in people's homes. For example, intruder alarms, sensors and monitoring equipment controlled through connected devices.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
For more information
Direct application

You can apply directly to employers if you've got relevant skills and knowledge needed for this job. For example, experience in electrical or electronics work.

Employers may ask for GCSEs or similar qualifications in English, maths and science, or a technical subject.

Other routes

You could study with a private training organisation.

The National Security Inspectorate and British Security Industry Association have more details on private providers.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

More information

Further information

You can find out more about working in the security industry from the National Security Inspectorate and British Security Industry Association.

With experience, you could become an installation, sales or maintenance team supervisor.

You could also specialise in areas like designing new security systems or set up your own security systems company.

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • practical skills for installing equipment
  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
  • problem-solving skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
My top 5 skills from the skills bank
Please sign in to compare your skills to this job. Sign in

To save or view your choices and results you must sign in or register (takes 1 minute).

Sign in Register