How do you become one??

[Guest Akeem]

Hi,

I do have a first degree in Electronics & Telecomm and have since graduation being with a security company installing & commissioning low voltage security system. Due to my membership of this group, it appear now to me that there are courses you'll need to take to earn this title: Fire Alarm Engineer or Alarm Engineer. I'll be glad to get enlightened.

tnx.

Akeem

[Guest G.J.M]

Two of our apprentices are doing a day release course at college in Edinburgh for intruder systems.

I would say that you are more than qualified but need hands on experience as it's a lot different than on paper.Taking a course will work in your favour.

For Fire engineers there are courses you will need to attend if you are working in the U.K

[Guest MSI New York]

Degrees? Courses? Here in New York City, if you have a steady pulse and you aren't activly engaged in a larceny during the job interview, you can get a job.

Of course, all that means is you can carry someone else's toolbox for five dollars an hour and all the scrap wire you can eat.

I've met a few techs with the new 60 hour course the MBFAA (our local alarm installers association) is trying to popularise, and let me tell you: there is no substitute for experience.

Get some OTJ training would be my advice. I don't know if you can get hired in the UK with no liscense, but if you can, go for it.

[Guest G.J.M]

on the job training is good but Fire Engineers now need to prove their competance.

The Fire Authorities are in the process of only attending activations from Fire alarms maintained by a trained company.

So you can be the best Engineer with years of experience but you are still going to need to prove it on paper.

[Stealth]

On the job training is by far the best way to gain skills, There are many training courses out there but you can't beat hands on pulling cables,putting equipment together learning how it works and commisioning the systems to gain good knowledge of security systems. Find a firm that can give you good all round aspects of the job.

[Guest G.J.M]

Totally agree with you that the best way to learn is hands on.

I did not start to really learn until i came out of my time.

College was all theory(maths and physics mainly-yawn).

but it's like every job now you go for.You could probably do it standing on your head but you need the paperwork to go with it.