Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Working Life

Working in the craft of Electronic Security Systems will require knowledge and practical application of:

• Selection, procurement, safe utilisation of and storage of security installation tools, equipment and materials
• Assessment, interpretation and implementation of ETCI wiring regulations, installation inspection and testing procedures
• Installation of plastic conduit, steel trunking and plastic trunking containment
• Interpretation of circuit schematics, technical data, manufacturing standards and architectural drawings which incorporate IEC symbols
• Interpretation of equipment assembly, dis-assembly and adjustment procedures
• Completion and updating of job-related documentation
• Relevant basic IT skills appropriate to the trade
• Awareness of Health and Safety requirements for the industry

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Install, maintain, or repair security systems, alarm devices, or related equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
• Mount and fasten control panels, door and window contacts, sensors, or video cameras, and attach electrical and telephone wiring to connect components.
• Demonstrate systems for customers and explain details, such as the causes and consequences of false alarms.
• Test and repair circuits and sensors, following wiring and system specifications.
• Feed cables through access holes, roof spaces, or cavity walls to reach fixture outlets, positioning and terminating cables, wires, or strapping.
• Examine systems to locate problems, such as loose connections or broken insulation.
• Test backup batteries, keypad programming, sirens, or other security features to ensure proper functioning or to diagnose malfunctions.
• Drill holes for wiring in wall studs, joists, ceilings, or floors.
• Inspect installation sites and study work orders, building plans, and installation manuals to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
• Consult with clients to assess risks and to determine security requirements.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Pathways into electronic security system tech careers.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: engineering, operations.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: carpentry, plumbing, electrical, construction, technology, preliminary, engineering.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Electronic Security Systems Apprentice.

Search for Apprenticeships

You must obtain employment as an apprentice. The employer must be approved to train apprentices. The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.

In certain crafts, apprenticeship applicants are required to pass a colour vision test approved by SOLAS.

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.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €55k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale / Glassdoor / WRC / Morgan McKinley/ Connect

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Electricians; electrical fitters; Telecommunications engineers; TV, video and audio engineers; IT engineers Electrical; electronic trades n.e.c. Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment growth for this occupation was well above the national average; employment grew strongly in the second half of 2022, significantly above pre-COVID levels. As the Census data indicates, electricians and electrical fitters account for the largest share of those employed in this occupation, with employment growing by almost 7,000 persons since 2016. 

There was a relatively high number of vacancies for electricians advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland in 2022. Employment permits mostly related to customer engineers and field service engineers and were for roles within the ICT sector. Difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey were for electricians in the construction sector. There have been increasing numbers of new apprenticeship registrations for electricians in recent years (over 2,600 in 2022), with over 500 craft awards made in 2021.

Employment is expanding for this occupation with demand occurring across a variety of sectors. Although supply is considered sufficient for the housing sector (based on DFHERIS report), demand is being driven in part by energy efficiency and the green agenda. There also appears to be a shift in the skills mix required for electricians to energy performance in building, energy sector policy, maintenance and repair. Although no shortages are identified at present, they may potentially emerge if employment continues to grow at its current rate.

• Irish Security Industry Association (ISIA)

  • Security Centre, Unit 1A, IDA Industrial Estate, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
  • (01) 484 7206
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Security Industry Association

  • Headquarters: Chase House, City Junction Business Park Northern Cross, Malahide Road, Dublin 17
  • (01) 4847206
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Private Security Authority

  • Davis Street, Tipperary Town
  • 062 32600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here