The posters have gone up, a special website has been launched and soon, the selection process will begin. ADT is on the lookout for up to 150 new recruits to help it and parent company Tyco Fire and Security meet the growing demand for competent installers.
Sunbury-based ADT has run apprenticeship schemes before, but only for school leavers. Andy Hunt, programme manager at the company, said the Security and Fire Engineer (SAFE) development programme hopes to find talented and multi-skilled engineers already out there in the world of work.
“To recruit experienced engineers proves more and more difficult,” he said.
Prospective engineers who pass the initial application stage will be expected to battle through a rigorous selection procedure, including an online test. Here, they will be tested on their numerical reasoning; general electrical knowledge and problem-solving ability; health and safety awareness and their knowledge of specific ADT disciplines. The final stage involves an interview at the candidate’s local ADT branch.
Those skilled enough to meet the challenge will be issued with a company vehicle, a mobile phone and standard company work wear and tools. Then the hard work really begins.
An induction will take candidates through the critical health and safety procedures they will need to be aware of to become safe and efficient workers, and a three-month development programme gets underway. Throughout this time, local managers will be expected to provide students with guidance and assurance to give them the best possible chance of graduation.
After three months at ADT, recruits should have the ability to install basic intruder, access and CCTV Systems. Then, after six months, further training on access control and CCTV will be given. Participants will be watched over by SAFE managers for a full six months after completing the initial three-month period, during which time they will be allocated basic fire training.
Who do they want?
ADT is preferably looking for people from an electrical, but non-security background. The list is extensive, and includes everyone from washing machine repairmen to telecoms installers. People with electrical experience in the armed forces are also invited to apply.
When do they want them?
The application process is now open, with posters and flyers being spread throughout adult learning centres, electrical wholesalers and ADT branches. A national press campaign, including an advert in a top-selling tabloid, has also been set up to coincide with the launch.
“We are investing a great deal in this scheme,” said Hunt. And it has already proved popular.
“I’ve got about 140 CVs on my desk now, and that’s before we’ve even started promoting it.”
The first planned recruitment phase begins next month, and ADT hopes that intake from the programme will eventually make up around a quarter of all its engineers.
How do I get involved?
Applications for the scheme are now being handled through a designated website.
Alternatively, you can find out more by calling 0844 8004675.
