Electrical - Electronic Security Systems - Apprenticeship
Do you like working with computers and IT? If you’re organised and want a career using IT skills, the electronic security systems apprenticeship could be a good fit for you.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
The overall duration of this apprenticeship is a minimum of 4 years provided all phases are successfully completed.
Entry Requirements
The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age.
The minimum educational requirements are:
1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,
or
2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course
or
3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable
It should be noted that these are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential: Mathematics, Technology, Technical Drawing/ Graphics, Physics and Construction Studies.
Careers / Further progression
Opportunities on Qualification
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.
Where craftspersons have the necessary ability and initiative, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.
Many craftspersons use their qualification as a platform to launch careers such as managers, owners of businesses and instructors amongst others
Further information
To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.
To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs page at https://apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs. You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship.
Your local Education and Training Board may hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.
On completion of this four-year apprenticeship, you will become a fully qualified electronic security systems installer, with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft – Electronic Security Systems.
You may then choose to work as electronic security systems installer in the security installation industry working on integrated security systems.
Many apprentices use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as managers, owners of businesses and instructors amongst others.
What is an Electronic Security Systems Installer?
ESS (Electronic Security Systems) craftspersons are required to design, plan, risk assess, install, program and commission a wide range of integrated security systems in line with all the relevant Irish and EU standards. These security systems include Intruder Alarms, Fire Alarms, CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Systems, Single and Multi Point Control Systems, Intercom Systems, Gate Automation Systems, Perimeter Control Systems, Electronic Tagging and any other equipment relevant to the industry.
ESS (Electronic Security Systems) craftspersons are also required to compile system and customer documentation, demonstrate systems operation, train clients and system operators, carry out system analysis and investigations, maintain, repair and constantly assess the needs for upgrading of security systems.
Personal Qualities and Skills
As an Electronic Security Systems craftsperson you will need to be physically active and to be able to work with your hands. An awareness of health and safety and good housekeeping is essential as well as attention to detail and an eye for the aesthetic.
The Electronic Security Systems installer must have the ability to:
• Plan and organise
• Communicate effectively
• Solve problems
• Work independently and as part of a team
• Show a positive attitude
• Recognise the need for good customer relations
• Demonstrate good work practices including time keeping, tidiness, responsibility, quality awareness and safety awareness
Aspects of work
Learning and developing new practical craft-related skills, knowledge and competence
Working with and learning from experienced Craftspersons
Seeing a job through from start to finish
Comply with Health and Safety requirements
Working with technical drawings and diagrams
Accuracy and attention to detail
Using IT (Information Technology) skills
Completion and updating of job-related documentation
Being well organised and careful with practical tasks
Installation of equipment in hazardous environments
Working with a variety of specialised hand tools, power tools and equipment
Working Outdoors
Working at heights
Lifting or carrying heavy items
Being physically active
Taking responsibility for their own learning, including the allocation of study time
Passing all your phase exams (theory, practicals skills demonstration)
Earning as you learn
Apprenticeship Training Programme
Phase 1: With Employer
Induction Training
Introduction to Health & Safety
Introduction to Tools & Equipment
Introduction to Basic Skills
Phase 2: Delivered in Training Centre (20 weeks)
Course Content:
Induction
Electrical Principles
Intruder Alarms
CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)
Fire Alarms
Access Control
Phase 3 With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 4 Delivered in Educational College (10 weeks)
Course Content:
Customer Communications
Electrical and Electronic Systems
Intruder Alarms
CCTV
Fire Alarms
Access Control
Phase 5 With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
Phase 6 Delivered in Educational College (10 weeks)
Course Content:
Data Network Systems
Electronics Systems
Intruder Alarms
CCTV
Fire Alarms
Access Control
Phase 7 With Employer
Work Based Training and Assessments
On successful completion of the programme the learner is awarded a level 6 Advanced Certificate Craft - Electronic Security Systems.