Level 3

Fire, Emergency & Security Systems Technician

Why Choose This Apprenticeship?

Train to design, install, commission and maintain life-saving fire, emergency, and security systems – keeping homes, businesses, and public spaces safe. Apprentices will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, learning how to install and maintain systems like:

Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
Intruder Alarms & Access Control
Video Surveillance Systems

Knowledge & Skills You Will Gain

Electrical Principles

Health & Safety

System Installation & Maintenance

Fault Finding

Workload Management

Compliance Management

Quality Assurance

Environment & Sustainability

Customer Service

Stakeholder Management

Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Key Information

Course Level

Level 3

Course Length

Up to 27 months

Delivery Method

Face-to-face

Next Launch Date

Monthly Intakes

Knowledge & Skills You Will Gain

Electrical Principles

Health & Safety

System Installation & Maintenance

Fault Finding

Workload Management

Compliance Management

Quality Assurance

Environment & Sustainability

Customer Service

Stakeholder Management

Equity Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)

Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Everything You Need to Know

The apprenticeship is delivered through 14 structured training blocks, taking learners through the complete lifecycle of fire and security systems:

Blocks 1–2: Industry and electrical foundations
Health and safety, installation planning, electrical principles, wiring and test equipment.
Blocks 3–4: Survey and design
British Standards, codes of practice and the design of compliant fire and security systems.
Blocks 5–6: Installation
Practical installation skills, cable containment and cable management.
Blocks 7–8: Programming and commissioning
Programming, commissioning and handing over fire and security systems.
Blocks 9–10: Maintenance and fault-finding
System maintenance, fault diagnosis and effective repairs.
Blocks 11–12: Compliance and connectivity
System takeovers, audits, non-compliance, networking and signalling.
Blocks 13–14: End-Point Assessment preparation
Practical preparation, mock assessments and final knowledge checks.

Learners develop their communication, problem-solving and employability skills throughout the programme, whilst applying their learning in the workplace.

The apprenticeship programme typically runs for up to 28 months, followed by an Apprenticeship Assessment period. Throughout the programme, apprentices will take part in regular face-to-face training sessions, combining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace with structured classroom learning. Most of these dedicated training sessions are delivered by our experienced industry tutors, giving apprentices access to expert guidance and support. In addition, apprentices may also have the opportunity to learn directly from leading fire and security manufacturers, providing valuable insight into the latest technologies, products, and industry best practices.

In addition, unique to Skills for Security apprentices, you will also gain access to Skills On-Demand. Skills On-Demand is our online, on-demand training platform that gives you unlimited, on-demand opportunities to learn advanced technical training above the basic requirements of the apprenticeship.

Demonstration of occupational competence within the role of a Fire and Security Technician
A Government certificate to confirm that you achieved the apprenticeship
Ability to apply for an ECS Gold card
Ability to apply for ENG Tech TMIET registration via the IET

Your Apprenticeship Journey Starts Here

The pathway below is an example of how your career could progress after completing an apprenticeship. Progression varies by individual and employer. For more career routes and opportunities, explore the Skills England Occupational Maps.

Years 1 - 3

Learn core electrical principles, health and safety, system installation, maintenance, and basic fault finding across fire, intruder, CCTV, and access control systems under supervision.

Year 4

Work more independently installing, maintaining, and fault-finding systems, building confidence, customer communication skills, and experience across a wider range of sites and technologies.

Years 5 - 6

Fully responsible for installations, commissioning, servicing, and repairs, developing specialist knowledge and managing workloads while supporting apprentices or junior engineers.

Year 7

Lead complex jobs, specialise in specific systems or compliance areas, support quality assurance, and provide technical guidance to teams and clients.

Year 8+

Move into leadership, project delivery, technical management, training, or consultancy roles, supporting teams, customers, and business growth across the fire and security sector.

Hiring an Apprentice Begins Here

This timeline shows an example of how an apprentice can develop and contribute to your business over time. Every apprentice's journey is different and progression will vary by individual and organisation.

Months 0 - 1

Recruit and integrate your apprentice with structured induction, initial training, and early workplace support, building strong foundations in health, safety, and core industry knowledge. We'll also focus on teaching employability skills at this stage.

Months 4 - 12

Your apprentice begins contributing to installations, servicing, testing, and fault finding while building technical confidence and supporting engineers on live jobs, improving team productivity.

Years 1 - 2

Apprentices develop system design, installation, and commissioning skills, supporting more complex projects and becoming increasingly reliable members of your engineering workforce.

Years 2 - 3

Your apprentice refines technical ability, prepares for their Apprenticeship Assessment, and transitions into a competent engineer capable of working independently and supporting operational delivery.

Year 3 - 4

Benefit from a qualified, business-trained engineer who understands your company standards, improves retention, strengthens workforce stability, and supports future growth and mentoring of new apprentices.

What Our Learners Are Saying

I found the overall service to be of a very high standard, particularly in terms of the skill and professionalism demonstrated throughout the programme. The training was intensive and clearly reflected the hard work and dedication of the team. While my experience had a slightly bumpy start, it quickly improved. I would especially like to highlight my tutor, Mike Walker, who was exceptional. He con…

Dilwar Hussain

Really good teaching and support from both Warrington and Walsall centres and lots of knowledge and experience was gained throughout.

Matt

I think my tutor was incredibly supportive and I received all the help I needed to do the best in my course.

Neve

I recently completed the Level 3 Security First Line Manager Apprenticeship with Skills for Security, and my overall experience was very positive. The course was well structured and relevant to my role, helping me build both my knowledge and confidence in managing security operations and leading a team. My tutor, Mike, was excellent throughout the course. He was supportive, knowledgeable, and alwa…

Sylwia

Excellent staff and great access to learning material with straight forwards assignments.

Sam

Good college. Tutors are knowledgeable and friendly. Good experience overall.

Joshua