The New Zealand Security Association has collaborated with ETCO to offer members early access to a new group employment model for apprenticeships.
Having worked closely with Skills Group for many years to help build the talent pipeline into the security industry, the NZSA reports that it now has an opportunity through Skills’ ETCO business (The Electrical Training Company), to extend ETCO’s proven apprenticeship model directly into the electronic security and alarm installation sector.
The Association is now seeking a founding group of member companies to help launch the new initiative.
Finding good new employees is hard
“Many of you will be very aware of the difficulty attracting reliable new technicians, the risk and cost of employing unproven apprentices, growing compliance and HR demands and maintaining consistent skills and service quality in your business,” stated the announcement. “These pressures are limiting growth now when the demand for electronic security solutions is starting to rise.”
Designed to remove those barriers, the ETCO model involves ETCO directly employing apprentices, managing all recruitment, screening, training coordination, HR, payroll and pastoral care. This leaves host companies focus on installing systems for customers and providing an environment for an apprentice to learn and hone their skills.
“Critically, if an apprentice placement isn’t the right fit, ETCO manages the transition without disruption to the apprentice’s qualification or your business,” said the NZSA.
Ready to work, when you need them
Under the programme, apprentices enter work-ready from day one, having completed a tailored pre-trade programme including health and safety, customer service, foundational technical skills, professional toolkit provision and initial security screening.
Apprentices are enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4), and build skills across alarm systems, physical access control systems, CCTV and video management systems, networking, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance.
“A major strength of the group employment model is continuity and flexibility,” explained the announcement. “Apprentices can move between host companies without stalling their training, giving smaller businesses protection during quieter periods and access to skilled labour during peak demand.
“For employers, this means reduced recruitment risk, guaranteed progression toward qualification completion, flexible workforce scaling and strong oversight of technical development and wellbeing.”
How to participate
To launch the programme, Skills/ETCO are seeking a small group of NZSA member companies to participate in the first intake. There are 160 pre-trade trainees completing their course over the next two weeks, with availability to commence work in the New Year.
Founding members are expected to help confirm the rate card with ETCO, finalise toolkit specifications, confirm starting dates in new year, and look to take on at least one apprentice.
To register your interest, email NZSA CEO Gary Morrison at gary@security.org.nz.
