Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Security Technician Awards and Excellence at ESX

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Security Technician Awards and Excellence at ESX
Electronic Security Association — August 8, 2024

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) is a highlight of the year for our industry, bringing together professionals from across the country to network, learn, and explore cutting-edge technology. This year, the Foundation for Advancing Security (FAST) proudly presented the Security Technician of the Year Awards at ESX, showcasing the significant talent within our field. These awards highlight the essential role of skilled technicians, inspire excellence, and attract new talent by demonstrating the rewarding career opportunities available in security. 

Detailed below are just some of FAST’s innovative efforts to bring more talent to the industry and how you can get involved. 

Honoring the Best: FAST Security Technician of the Year Awards 

The FAST Security Technician of the Year Awards recognize the unsung heroes of the security industry – technicians who work tirelessly to ensure our safety and security. FAST was proud to honor these exceptional technicians at ESX because they embody the dedication and expertise that make our industry so strong. Their technical skills, commitment to excellence, and ability to solve complex problems make them indispensable, inspiring others and fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition within our industry. 

FAST works to encourage talented individuals to make a career in our industry and these awards are a key part of this. By recognizing and rewarding the exceptional work of security technicians, FAST highlights the career opportunities available in the security industry. This recognition not only validates the efforts of current professionals, but also attracts new talent by showcasing the industry’s commitment to excellence. 

Spotlight on the Winners 

The ceremony at ESX highlighted our industry’s exceptional technicians who have demonstrated remarkable skills and commitment in their work: 

Calvin Sprague: A Technician III at Stealth Monitoring, Calvin is known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative problem-solving skills, and willingness to go above and beyond to get the job done. 

Jeff Lane: Fire Division PM at Down East Protection Systems, Jeff’s leadership and deep knowledge in fire safety have significantly enhanced security measures for numerous clients. 

Harry Hoyte: A Senior Service Technician at Grid Squared Systems, Harry’s extensive experience and dedication to his craft have made him a trusted figure with his customers and the industry. 

Chris Gordon: A Level 4 Security Technician at SAGE Integration who is embedded with a large corporate client, Chris’s expertise spans multiple security domains, including access control and CCTV systems. 

Vanna Phan: Electrical Technician 4 at M.C. Dean, Vanna’s technical prowess and leadership skills have been instrumental in numerous complex security projects. 

James Brevard: Master Installation Technician & Trainer at ADT, James’s nearly two decades of experience have made him a pillar of knowledge and expertise in the security industry. 

Aaron Welch: Head of Hardware at Nexkey, Aaron’s nearly 30 years of experience demonstrate unparalleled skill in perfecting installations and troubleshooting complex systems. 

Anthony Jeffries: Electrical Technician 3 at M.C. Dean, Anthony’s experience with federal projects and troubleshooting has earned him strong commendation from his team. 

Kyle Ackerman: Installation Technician at Everon, Kyle’s dedication to ensuring the peace of mind of his customers is second-to-none, demonstrated by his ability to communicate to technical and non-technical audiences.  

Peter Gagne: Peter understands that technicians are at the front line of their company, representing their brand to customers daily. By ensuring customer satisfaction and educating the client, Peter has demonstrated his dedication to going above and beyond.  

You can read more about the award and this year’s winners at advancingsecurity.org 

The YouScience Platform: Building a Talent Pipeline 

While celebrating the achievements of current professionals, FAST is also committed to building the future workforce of the security industry. This is where our partnership with YouScience comes into play.  

YouScience is a revolutionary tool that helps identify students with the aptitude and interest to enter various career fields, including security. Through this collaboration, FAST is leveraging YouScience to connect companies with talented students, fostering a robust talent pipeline and ensuring the continued growth of the security industry. 

Why This Partnership Matters 

YouScience allows companies to connect with students who demonstrate an interest and aptitude in security careers, nurturing future professionals from an early stage. By participating in the YouScience program, companies can establish strong ties with local schools and communities, enhancing their brand image and fostering a sense of responsibility. This proactive approach ensures that the industry evolves to meet new demands. It allows companies to efficiently connect with students who have already expressed interest in the industry, saving both time and potential recruitment costs. 

FAST is looking to partner with companies interested in showcasing their opportunities and engaging with future professionals on this platform. This initiative supports our mission to build a strong talent pipeline in the security industry. Participating companies will have the unique opportunity to connect with local students, highlight their career paths, and help cultivate a robust future workforce.