Advances in technology of security and fire systems plus a shortage of competent engineers means a significant challenge for the security and fire sector, says IFSEC.
Given the rate of technological advance, the sector is taking steps to help address the shortfall of skilled engineers. Research from a bespoke extension of Working Futures 2014-2024 forecasts demand in engineering enterprises, including security and fire safety installation companies, for 265,000 skilled entrants annually through to 2024, of which around 186,000 will meet both replacement and expansion demand. Projected supply is expected to fall short of this by at least 20,000 new entrants per year (excluding any Brexit effect) unless action is taken.
What is Engineers of Tomorrow?
The competition helps to raise the profile of engineering apprenticeships and the opportunities they represent within the sector. Taking place at IFSEC and FIREX International each year, winners of regional heats compete in a live installation challenge at the show, where over 34,000 visitors are in attendance. In addition, the 2020 winners will proceed to the final of WorldSkills UK LIVE, the UK annual skills, apprenticeships and careers event at the NEC.
Those involved in the IFSEC and FIREX Engineers of Tomorrow competition include Skills for Security, the signalling product manufacturer CSL, and the NSI and SSAIB inspectorates, while other support comes from the trade bodies BSIA, and FIA; and Texecom Academy, as featured in the February 2020 print edition of Professional Security magazine.
Winners are also invited along to the Security & Fire Excellence Awards for free, where they are applauded by the rest of the industry. You can hear directly from the competitors on IFSEC Global’s Youtube channel, who offer their opinions of what it means to have been selected as a winner.
With Apprentices for Fire and Security (A4FS), which helps place young apprentices in the fire and security sectors, the initiative was set up to address the skills shortage in the fire and security sectors.
Engineers of Tomorrow 2020 runs at IFSEC International 2020, from May 19 to 21, at ExCeL London. Book your free ticket now.
