SIA expands CS Operator/Instructor Training

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--The Security Industry Association has expanded its Central Station Operator/Instructor Training course offerings this year, adding two additional courses. The SIA training courses are intensive, five-day programs hosted by industry players like MicroKey Solutions and Alarm Watch, that train and certify central station personnel to conduct in-house operator training.

Kimberly Roberts, SIA manager, education training believes “it's good to have consistent training throughout the industry ... to have a strong basis that everybody knows and recognizes in the industry.”

Upon completion of the course, the graduate becomes both a SIA Certified Operator and a SIA Certified Instructor who is authorized to certify his or her own operators.

CenterPoint Technologies' VP operations and business development MJ Vance began her security industry career with a SIA Central Station Operator/Instructor course, hosted by the Dice Corporation in Bay City, Mich. Vance feels there is real value in such training. “Taking the SIA instructor classes really shows your level of commitment not only to educate yourself on the industry, but to educate your employees and help them sharpen their skills,” Vance said.  “At CenterPoint, we really felt it was our responsibility - management's responsibility - to ensure every employee is given the right tools to succeed in the position they were hired for.”

Security Instrument Corp. central station manager Eric R Gibson Sr. agrees. “Training from the professionals has given me the tools to develop a successful training program here at Security Instrument,” Gibson said. “My staff likes having a specific course to go through and they feel more confident as they move through the program as well.”

The 2009 course schedule is as follows: July 20-24, Kissimmee, Fla., hosted by MicroKey; Aug. 17-21, Alexandria, Va., hosted by SIA; Sept. 14-18, Kissimmee, Fla., hosted by MicroKey; Oct. 5-9, Baltimore, Md., hosted by Alarm Watch. The two additional course offerings are at MicroKey Solutions in Florida and Alarm Watch in Baltimore. The course offerings can be investigated at www.siaonline.org.

Roberts points out that early registration has its benefits. “We're offering it for members and non-members as well,” Roberts said. “For those who sign up in advance for the first two sessions, we are offering an early bird discount of $25 off the registration fee.” Registration for the July class by June 3 earns the discount, while registration for the August class by July 8 saves $25.