For years, security and fire safety have been treated as separate disciplines, but in reality, the two are becoming more intertwined than ever. A security installer today isn’t just fitting alarms—they’re working with integrated systems that combine access control, CCTV, fire detection, and more. In recognition of this, Skills for Security has announced a major change to its partnership with WorldSkills UK for the 2025 season, merging its Electronic Security and Fire competitions into a single category.
This change is more than just a structural update; it reflects the way the industry is evolving. As technology advances and system integration becomes the norm, professionals need a broader skill set to stay ahead. By combining these two areas, the competition will better prepare the next generation for the demands of the job.
With applications opening on 3rd March 2025, this isn’t just a competition—it’s an opportunity for young professionals to prove their skills, gain industry recognition, and set themselves up for a successful career.
Raising Standards Through Competition
The competition will bring together 36 of the UK’s most promising young professionals for the National Qualifiers at The Security Event (TSE), running from 8–10 April at NEC Birmingham. Hosted at the Skills for Security stand, these qualifiers offer industry professionals a front-row seat to the next wave of talent entering the sector.
Darrell Gilmour, Director of Technical Training at Skills for Security, explains why this change matters, “By combining the Electronic Security and Fire competitions, we are ensuring that competitors develop a well-rounded skill set that reflects today’s integrated fire safety and security industry. We believe this evolution will benefit both competitors and the sector as a whole.”
Beyond the competition, Skills for Security will be actively engaging with attendees, highlighting training opportunities and initiatives aimed at tackling the ongoing skills shortage in the security and fire safety industry.
A Wider Industry Effort to Support Talent
Developing the future workforce isn’t just the responsibility of training providers—it’s a shared effort across the industry. That’s why this competition is backed by major sponsors including CSL Group, The Security Event, and Texecom, along with additional support from Eaton, Yuasa Battery, NSI, SSAIB, Fenix Monitoring, Honeywell, and Dahua. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition that investing in skills today is critical for the industry’s success tomorrow.
David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security, emphasises the significance of this initiative, “It is always a pleasure to host the competition qualifiers at The Security Event, where we can demonstrate the incredible skills and talent emerging. Skills for Security remains committed to nurturing the next generation of security professionals, and this competition is a real opportunity to highlight the importance of continuous training and development in our sector.”
For more information, visit WorldSkills UK. To register for The Security Event, 8–10 April, visit The Security Event website.