Nortek Security & Control announces new certification program

CARLSBAD, Calif.—Nortek Security & Control recently announced a new Technician Certification Training Program, with distributor training events, on-site education and webinars throughout 2018.

Marcus Velasco, director of training and development, told Security Systems News that the new certification program can lead “faster installs, more accurate installs, increased customer satisfaction because the installation is done correctly the first time, [there are] no re-visits. That's what we're striving for, and then really the ability for a technician to be able to troubleshoot on their own, without having to call in for any additional assistance.”

The technician certification can also have a positive impact with customers. “When they show up, and it says 'certified technician' on their truck, it automatically exudes more trust and reliability,” Velasco said.

The certification program is a change from the product trainings that Nortek Security & Control had done in the past, according to Velasco. “We actually did have a lot of really good technical information, but it was that—it was technical information,” he said. “We really wanted to revamp it, turn it on its head and make sure it's really an interactive experience for the technicians because, obviously, they have to go out and do it hands-on. You can't just watch a PowerPoint and go out and do something hands-on.”

This is the first time that Nortek Security & Control is offering product-specific certifications. Training modules will include: GC2 Certified Technician Module, GC3 Certified Technician Module, 2GIG Vario Technician Module, E3 Certified Technician Module, and the Linear ProControl Technician Module. These modules will cover product overview, basic installation, basic programming, troubleshooting, product partnerships, and certification exam, the program's announcement said.

The training courses, based on different security panel and access control products, range from four and a half to six and a half hours, Velasco said. “They're instructor-led training courses. So, our instructors will train … throughout the world.” Most of the programs will be in the U.S., but also in Canada and Latin America, he said.

Velasco expects discussions about the program at ISC West. “This is going to be the first year that our training and certification program has a presence in our booth at ISC West. So, we're going to have trainers on hand … to go through and describe the program.”