Feature -- by Mark Sproxton

Alarm systems are an important part of the security industry.

Playing out like a jigsaw puzzle, the alarm installation technician now knows the best route to wire and connect this multi-piece security system. Baseboards have to be removed, holes drilled and the fox and hound tools will see plenty of action. A simple, straight-forward installation may await at the next location.

"It doesn't get repetitious because every house is different," explained Tim O'Reilly, General Manager of Reliable Alarms Ltd. "You have to acquire a skill level for running cable blind, and have to acquire a sense of construction. You rely on your years of experience to figure out what works and what doesn't. It's not a visual thing."

While experience helps in the installation business, the former installer said there are entry-level opportunities. "It's a market-driven industry," he said. "If one company's looking for an installer, you can bet another is. If an ad says they're looking for an experienced installer, (it) doesn't mean you can't apply if you're handy with tools or have done some building."

O'Reilly entered the industry from a completely different angle, however. While working in retail, he was approached by someone from Reliable with a job opportunity. Taking advantage of his networking abilities, O'Reilly accepted the offer. He began as an installer, then moved to the sales division before moving into management.

"Installation is a good area to start and get some practical hands-on experience, and understand what's involved in a system," the long-time Calgarian explained. "From there you can branch into sales, or over-the counter retail, administration, or private sales."

To get a foot in the door as an installer, O'Reilly recommends taking courses in subjects such as electronics, or building. Finding a program that offers a wage-sharing incentive to employers is another good method to receive on-the-job training, he said.

The structure of the alarm system industry makes it harder to train people than other industries, O'Reilly explained. Most installers work as sub-contractors to an alarm company. This means the company attracts the work, and then pays the sub-contractor (an installer) to do the work. Each job is typically assigned a specified value based upon estimated time of completion and the number of parts involved. In turn, the installers are only paid to put in the systems, they're not paid for monitoring, selling the equipment that makes up the system etc.

This piece-work pay structure has a number of implications for installers. The first being the number of hours they work. "A good installer can do a 40 hour work week in 30 hours," O'Reilly said. "You can do as much, or as little work as you want. We have big jobs or little jobs. The money depends on experience and the ambition of the person." At Reliable, a typical day requires installers to meet at the office each morning at 8 a.m. to get their assignments before travelling to their required locations. Each morning installers will also drop off the crucial customer information outlining emergency response details such as phone numbers and names of alternate contacts.

Installers are also required to have their own equipment, including: a vehicle, usually a van; a six-foot ladder; a cordless drill, special drill bits; hammer; pry bars; a fish tape and others. All alarm installers in Calgary require a city Alarm Agent Licence which costs $50 each year. But technical equipment and abilities aside, installers must be equally capable with home or business owners, said O'Reilly.

"They have to be able to have a good rapport with people and have to make them feel comfortable with being in their house. You can't walk in and put a sticker on the window and walk away." After the system has been programmed, and checked to ensure it's operating correctly, installers give the customers basic training on operating the system as well.

Over the years, O'Reilly has seen the industry change. Now as many alarm systems are being installed to keep people protected as they are to protect material goods, he said. The makeup of a good installer remains the same, however. "Installers have to have a real common-sense head on their shoulders. They have to know electronics and have some programming skills. They have to be well grounded in their tools."