Electronic Security Association: Our Industry Has Jobs

The group that represents the security industry is working to highlight the sector’s increased need for employees—and it’s doing so by pointing out that entry-level jobs in the field don’t require a degree.

Selling potential employees on the benefits of your industry can be a major challenge, especially if it’s an industry few are aware of.

That’s why the pitch matters—specifically, who it’s aimed at and how it’s sold. The pitch being sold by the Electronic Security Association (ESA)? Its members are looking for employees—and unlike most career options involving technology, you don’t need a college degree to get a job in this space.

And by pitching that way, notes Kansas City Star columnist Diane Stafford  (opens in a new tab), ESA is effectively selling its industry as one that could appeal to blue-collar workers who most seriously felt the pain of the 2008 recession.

ESA, which represents an industry that manages and installs electronic security systems in homes and businesses, is seeing demand for such services skyrocket, but labor has struggled to keep up. That’s why the industry is working to play up its lower barrier to entry.

“Our industry may be unique from a technician perspective,” explained Shannon Murphy, ESA’s vice president of sales and marketing, in an interview with Stafford. “You don’t need a college degree. You can come out of a technical high school or a tech training program, but you can mostly get on-the-job training.”

Last year, the association launched a website called “Get Into Security,”  (opens in a new tab) aimed at driving interest in the security field, highlighting that the field also has openings well-suited for retirees and veterans.

ESA is also working with its corporate members to help make the industry more attractive to job applicants. Last year, it created a employee recruiting and retention toolkit for its members.

In a news release on the toolkit, ESA Executive Director and CEO Merlin Guilbeau noted that the the recruitment efforts have been driven by feedback received through its industry advisory group.

“I’m very proud of the product we have developed and will continue to build upon moving forward,” Guilbeau emphasized in his statement  (opens in a new tab).

For those looking to get into the field, ESA’s Murphy says that the industry offers a variety of positions, some of which offer lots of room to grow.

“An entry-level technician can expect to make $30,000 to $50,000 to start, varying on the place and the job,” Murphy told the Star‘s Stafford. “And there are opportunities to rise in the companies.”