No Engineers, No Leads? Why Fire & Security Marketers Need More Apprentices

A guest post by Jo Shaer, founder of Lollipop. 

The Fire & Security industry is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled engineers. This gap is affecting operations, limiting business growth and, as many are now discovering, even holding back marketing efforts.

Whether it’s a local installer or a national provider, companies across the sector are feeling the strain.

At The Security Event, I was chatting with Richard Aldridge, a tutor at Skills for Security, about a recurring concern:

“Installers often tell me they’re worried about marketing working too well. They’re nervous that a flood of leads will be more of a burden than a benefit – because they just don’t have the engineers to handle the work.”

It’s a powerful reminder that the skills shortage isn’t just a staffing issue… it’s a confidence issue.

Without enough engineers, many companies hold back on marketing, stalling visibility, lead generation and long-term growth.

By providing a steady pipeline of trained professionals, Skills for Security are helping businesses regain the confidence to grow – sustainably and securely.

Skills for Security: Powering Growth from the Ground Up

Established in 2009, Skills for Security delivers flexible, job-ready apprenticeships across the Fire & Security sector.

Thanks to generous sponsorships, apprentices also train on the latest equipment from leading manufacturers – ensuring they’re learning on systems they’ll actually encounter in the field. This keeps the programme current and practically relevant.

Their programmes are built around 14 structured training blocks (each of five days) that combine hands-on experience with classroom learning. This approach supports both new entrants and career changers in gaining the qualifications and confidence needed to thrive.

The practical, hands-on component is a major focus, with apprentices getting the opportunity to install, commission and troubleshoot real-world systems.

“When they’re in the practical room, we set them tasks, but we also give them the opportunity to practise things they might not encounter on site,” Richard says.

“We prep them each week with the fundamentals,” he continues. “By block 10, in their second year, they should be confident enough to start installing systems on their own. Some are already doing that by the end of year one.”

Richard himself holds an MBQ Level 3 teaching qualification and is currently working towards his assessor certification, which will allow him to formally assess and sign off apprentices. This level of expertise ensures that learners are taught and supported by professionals who understand both the trade and the training.

Real Support, Real Success

Skills for Security place a strong emphasis on supporting each apprentice throughout their journey – recognising that wellbeing and employer fit are just as important as technical knowledge.

The team at Skills for Security have built a robust support system around every learner. From careful recruitment and matching with the right employer, to comprehensive onboarding and dedicated Learning Engagement Officers who check in regularly, they ensure that learners are engaged, supported, and set up for long-term success in the industry.

That level of support contributes to strong completion and employment outcomes – reassuring news for installation companies… and for marketing agencies like Lollipop who are supporting them with lead generation and growth.

Making Apprenticeships Work for Everyone

Skills for Security work with:

• Young people entering the workforce
• Career changers retraining for a new future
• Companies of all sizes building sustainable teams

Tutor, Richard Aldridge, is living proof that career changers can thrive in the industry. He completed his own fire and security apprenticeship at the age of 39, after a career in print finishing and smart meter installation. His story is a powerful example of the programme’s flexibility and impact.

Whether it’s a small installation company taking on its first apprentice or a national firm integrating third-party training into a wider academy model, they provide tailored support to suit every setup.

With training centres in Scotland, the North West, Midlands, North London and East London (Dagenham is opening in July 2025), Skills for Security is also highly accessible to employers across the UK.

Some of the UK’s largest Fire & Security firms – like Spy Alarms – trust Skills for Security to help deliver parts of their in-house academy programmes. It’s a partnership that strengthens internal training and supports long-term recruitment.

In addition to training delivery, Skills for Security regularly attend careers fairs to inspire the next generation of engineers and connect with future talent.

Showcasing Future Talent: World Skills and Beyond

While at the event, I also witnessed groups of apprentices take part in the World Skills semi-final – a prestigious competition held each year across multiple sectors, including Fire & Security.

This competition highlights the skill, professionalism and enthusiasm being cultivated through apprenticeship programmes like those delivered by Skills for Security.

Invest in Skills. Inspire Confidence. Unlock Growth.

Addressing the engineering shortage is key to unlocking the Fire & Security industry’s potential.

By helping businesses build capable, confident teams, Skills for Security are not just meeting today’s needs – they’re investing in the future of the sector.

Discover how apprenticeship training can unlock growth for your business – and secure the future of the industry.