Security: A career to be proud of

With nine high school security career events down, and one more to go, the NZSA and Gallagher reflect on recent conversations around the security skills shortage in New Zealand.

The New Zealand Security Association (NZSA), its Security Training and Professional Development Special Interest Group, and many of its manufacturer and integrator members have recognised the challenges of low awareness and professional recognition across the security industry – and are working together to address these issues.

From Auckland to Porirua, Wellington to Hamilton, Whangārei to Christchurch, and Palmerston North to Rotorua, the NZSA has been all over the country, rolling out the Ministry of Education (MOE) Security Career Events to more than 300 students across nine schools. With one last MOE-funded event scheduled for South Auckland, the NZSA is exploring options to further develop a sustainable on-going school visit programme.

Members of Gallagher’s New Zealand Sales Team have attended five of the nine Security Career Events at high schools across the North Island – sharing their career journey and engaging with students. Recently, Regional Sales Manager, Brad Small, attended an event at Māngere College in South Auckland.

“I enjoyed spending time with the students. It was great to see them nodding along as I spoke about the NZ security industry and the vast opportunities it offers,” Brad said.

“It’s predicted that the industry will need 6,000 additional people before the end of 2025, and I hope some of the students we have spoken with over the past couple of months will be part of that influx.”

Andrea Charlton, the NZSA’s National Training and Employment Services Manager, has been instrumental in the roll out of these events across the country.

“I have enjoyed discussing the diverse career opportunities that exist within the industry, and it’s so rewarding to see the students listening so intently – many just have no idea what our industry does,” said Andrea. “I also appreciated listening to our industry speakers, who have such passion for their careers, and truly inspired students through sharing their personal journeys.”

“The SkillsVR Virtual Reality COA Training was also a big hit with the students. It was amazing to see them pick up the headset and controllers and use the technology so naturally. The reactions from students when they are placed into the virtual world is great – they just absolutely love it!”

According to Andrea, the reception from those who attended the events was extremely positive.

“I was told by numerous careers advisors that the students really enjoyed the events and learnt a lot from the industry speakers – with many saying the information shared with students was useful, inspiring, and exactly what they needed to hear. It was these personal career stories, and genuine passion for the industry, that helped stir up interest with tomorrow’s talent.”

When asked what is next on the agenda for connecting students to the world of security and helping them understand the career opportunities within the industry, Gary Morrison, NZSA CEO explained that the Association is looking to make this an ongoing area of focus.

“We are exploring ways to develop a stronger connection with MOE, school career advisors, and pathway career counsellors, to ensure that security is part of the conversation when school leavers are discussing next steps after secondary education,” said Gary. “We are also focusing on further promotion of the Security Careers Pathways website.”

The Security Career Pathways website, https://securitycareers. co.nz/, is an NZSA initiative that was developed to promote the wide range of security careers on offer in Aotearoa. The security industry is a growing sector with a range of exciting career pathways for individuals to progress through, and the website is designed to illustrate just that.

One of New Zealand’s largest security integrators, Aotea Security, is an example of an organisation that has retained many of its technicians for decades.

“Aotea Security have a proud history of providing career pathways to our people,” explained Mike McKim, Provincial Manager, Aotea Security. “It is not uncommon to hear our managers reminiscing about the days when they were on the tools as trainees, taking orders from now retired staff. If we do not foster this talent, we cannot expect them to stick around for the opportunities available to them, this goes for all positions in our business.”

“There is too much effort required to continuously fill a bucket with a big hole in the bottom of it, identifying the cracks that lead to holes for both our business and the industry is important to us.”

Despite the initiatives being driven by NZSA – including the schools programme, NZ Security Careers Pathways website, and behind-thescenes work with government on qualifications and apprenticeships – there remains much to be done.

“I’ve said it before and I will say it again – we all need to work together to help New Zealand understand that security is a lucrative and rewarding career choice,” said Brad.

“I’m extremely passionate about our industry, and believe it has a lot to offer both school leavers and people looking for a change in career path. I know there are others who feel the same as me within the industry, so if someone reads this and it resonates, I hope they reach out so we can have a chat.”