Investing in the fire alarm systems technicians of the future

By Adrian Voorkamp, Director, Learning Deployment, Americas, Johnson Controls
Fire alarm systems technicians carry a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. The solutions they install and service could be lifesaving to building occupants in an emergency, making their everyday work= incredibly important and rewarding. As a result, there is a vital need in our industry for seasoned, highly-skilled technicians, and Johnson Controls answers that need with the Fire Detection and Technical Learning initiative.

(Virtual) hands-on training to produce the best technicians in the industry
Led by senior instructors, this program gives our technicians the training and mentorship they need to succeed. The program’s rigorous courses give our students a thorough foundational education for when they begin working in the field and have quickly become the gold standard for training within the industry. While the COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on any in-person courses, we’ve still been able to offer hands-on classes by leveraging online and virtual trainings. Our students can easily take remote control of computers or panels from wherever they are in the world, allowing us to continue producing best-in-class technicians when they are needed most.

A mentorship with a senior technician is also incredibly valuable for someone just beginning their career, as they have the opportunity to learn from years of experience. But with senior technicians busier than ever in recent years and reaching retirement age, mentorship opportunities have unfortunately gone to the wayside in the industry. The Johnson Controls Fire Detection and Technical Learning initiative allows us to provide this mentor experience to all our graduates, ensuring senior technicians’ knowledge and experience is passed on.

Closing the skills gap with electronic and computer skills
In the past, a background in basic electronics was all you needed to get started as a fire systems technician. But times have changed, and as solutions have gone digital, technicians need a higher level of computer literacy as well. Much of our day-to-day work is now done through digital programs, but this skill is still lacking within the industry. As a result, we work hard to ensure that the graduates of our program can bring this dual expertise to the field, balancing electronic and computer skills for a comprehensive education that keeps up with new developments.

To further narrow the skills gap, we work closely with career development schools like Lincoln Tech to create seamless career advancement for graduates. Skilled trade schools produce incredible technicians, and when their education is continued through the Johnson Controls Fire Detection and Technical learning initiative, they truly become invaluable to the industry.

Beginning fire alarm systems careers on the right foot
A career in fire alarm systems promises longevity and advancement. It’s an industry that’s not going anywhere and is only becoming more important as fire safety becomes integral to emergency preparedness and healthy building initiatives. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, keeping our technicians on their toes and always learning. The Johnson Controls Fire Detection and Technical Learning program is one of the ways that we invest time and resources in these technicians, equipping them with hands-on training that enables them to reach their goals and provide industry-leading customer service.