Meeting the Challenges: Addressing the Skills Gap in the Security and Surveillance Sector

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Security and Surveillance Industry: State of the Work

Simon Banks, chairman of Skills for Security and the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), recently said, ‘We need to recruit at least 30,000 engineers to the security sector, alongside school leavers, the military and security guards who are Provide fertile recruitment land to all.

While companies have largely overcome the disruptions and difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, the security and surveillance sector continues to face significant challenges.

Without doubt, the UK Government has placed importance on the regeneration of the industry with plans such as the National Cyber ​​Strategy 2022, which includes a mix of accelerator and growth initiatives, direct investment in skills and profession support and investment across sectors and clusters.

However, the effects of the Great Resignation – the record number of people leaving their jobs since the start of the pandemic – may still be felt, making these government initiatives less effective.

Facing a severe shortage of skilled workers in a market where the demand for surveillance products is constantly increasing has had an inevitable impact on the prosperity of the sector.

In 2022, the number of businesses in this sector noting that transferring or retiring employees is a major challenge has increased from 15% to 24%, indicating that firms are facing a difficult labor market and loss of existing talent. Both are facing each other.

What’s more, while the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has 375,000 licensed security professionals, it loses 15% of them every year due to churn.

The overall talent shortage can be tackled early in education, giving people the opportunity to learn and upskill on the job.

According to its research, McKinsey has demonstrated that for UK employers, reskilling will yield positive economic returns in almost three-quarters of cases. In other words, companies can gain benefits by doing strategic workforce planning, enhancing their training offerings, and changing their learning culture.

Workforce skills required to uplift the sector

Technical Expertise: A strong foundation in technical skills is essential for professionals in the surveillance and security field. The rapid development of IP networking, HD and megapixel technologies is being matched only by the rate of their integration with other electronic security systems. The need to keep pace with the latest developments in technology is extremely important.

Analytical and problem-solving abilities: The ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential threats, and formulate effective solutions is a fundamental skill for surveillance and security professionals. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills allow individuals to assess risks, implement appropriate safety measures, and respond rapidly to emergencies.

Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration skills are important for professionals in this field. They must be able to articulate their findings, present reports, and work closely with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, clients, and colleagues. Clear and concise communication, excluding any technical jargon, ensures that important information is communicated accurately and efficiently.

setting an industry precedent

Many organizations and companies are trying to make their mark in the upliftment of the security and surveillance sector.

For example, CSL Dualcom has recently joined the industry’s Trailblazer Employer Group, which was set up to deliver employer-designed apprenticeship standards for training and assessment to meet the needs of the industry.

Building on its 100 in 100 Apprentices campaign – a campaign which aims to hire 100 apprentices in 100 days – the scheme also supports the Engineers of Tomorrow competition, which trains apprentices from UK security firms to install security systems. forces them to compete against each other in a race against time. ,

Skills for Security, a subsidiary of BSIA, is another organization committed to improving skills and professionalism within the security sector. They offer tailor-made learning programs for trainees in the security industry and are leaders in e-learning accredited training.

In the private sector, Dahua Technology – a video-focused, smart IoT solutions and services provider – runs regular training and certification programs to give installers and engineers the skills needed to design and install the most suitable video solutions.

Additionally, it offers free online webinars and certified training. As an example, the DHSP (Dahua Systems Professional) course takes a close look at IP video surveillance solutions and how to use AI features that enable more complex and higher-value installations.

In its journey to groom the next generation of surveillance and security professionals, the company has also donated state-of-the-art equipment and learning resources.

For example, Dahua has gifted high-quality video surveillance equipment to Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC). It included TiOCs (three-in-one cameras) with full-color imaging, intelligent perimeter security and active deterrence. In addition, it donated their IoT training facility to the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology and focus group colleges in Plymouth and Exeter for monitoring trainees.

conclusion

The security and surveillance sector in the UK faces a number of challenges that require attention and proactive measures. By addressing the skills gap, investing in training, and fostering collaboration between industry and academia, the industry can address its challenges and thrive in an evolving landscape.