Tradesmen Wanted!

Aug. 20, 2009
There’s a resurgence of interest in hands-on or blue collar jobs, and many colleges are seeing this trend and expanding their offerings, according to a recent report in The Chicago Tribune.The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), is on the cusp of this trend, too, and is working through its members and charter chapters on establishing an apprenticeship training program for the industry. (Read what I wrote about it following the announcement at the ESX Show in Baltimore recently: http://www.securityinfowatch.com/root+level/next-an-apprenticeship-program-security-industry.) It will most likely be implemented through the chapters of the organization and individual states, because rules for developing apprenticeship programs vary from location to location.   Ron Petrarca of Electronix Systems CSA Inc. in Huntington Station, N.Y., chairs the NBFAA Apprenticeship Committee and is heading up efforts to get the industry working on establishing this type of credentialing. The benefit to the industry—more skilled workers and a stronger workforce!  Contact the NBFAA directly or visit their Web site at www.alarm.org. – Deborah O’Mara, editor, SD&I magazine