Security Alarm Installer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) (2242) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) (C142) 
• 2011 NOC: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment) (2242) 

In general, security alarm installers:

• check the installation site, read the work order and check drawings to determine locations for specified equipment
• lay out wiring routes, cut openings in walls, floors and frames, mount raceways or conduits, pull wires through and splice them (for wired systems)
• install motion sensors and other types of intruder and alarm devices
• program security systems by using computers and special software (on site or by telephone)
• test systems using equipment, such as multimeters
• demonstrate systems for customers and explain the cause and seriousness of false alarms
• troubleshoot malfunctions and make the necessary adjustments or repairs
• prepare documents such as invoices, warranties and installation and repair records.

Security alarm installers work in environments that vary from clean, comfortable homes and businesses to cold, dusty buildings under construction. Some travel from job site to job site is required.

A standard 40 hour work week is the norm, although occasional overtime may be required during busy periods. For customer convenience, security alarm installers may work some evenings and weekends.

Safety precautions are required to avoid injuries when working with power tools and electricity, and hard hats and steel toed boots are required on construction sites. The work involves handling items that weigh up to 10 kilograms.

Security alarm installers need the following characteristics:

• good motor co-ordination and manual dexterity
• normal colour vision
• mechanical aptitude and good spatial perception
• good communication and interpersonal skills for dealing with customers and other workers
• the ability to present a positive and professional image of the company.

They should enjoy using tools and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, troubleshooting problems and working with little direction or supervision.

Security alarm installers are employed by security alarm companies which range in size from local operations to national chains. A growing number of installers work on a contract basis.

Experienced security alarm installers may advance to lead installer and supervisor positions, move into other jobs in the company (for example, sales or customer service) or set up their own businesses.

Security alarm installers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2242: Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment). In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Retail Trade (PDF)
• Other Services (PDF)
• Wholesale Trade (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Business, Building and Other Support Services (PDF)
• Construction (PDF)
• Educational Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

In Alberta, the C142: Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment) occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.5% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 114 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca

Canadian Security Association website: www.canasa.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.