One of the staples of the security and locksmith industry is vendor affiliated training. This continuing education is designed to keep professional current on emerging technologies and help with certification in technology-specific fields like access control, door hardware and CCTV. Locksmith Ledger surveyed industry vendors regarding their offerings and capabilities and these are the answers of those who chose to respond.
Do you provide security training and certification?
Alarm Lock: Alarm Lock provides training courses to the locksmiths throughout the U.S. and Canada. These courses are scheduled with Locksmith Associations and Distributors and are listed on the Alarm Lock training calendar, www.alarmlock.com/seminars.
Allegion: Allegion offers a variety of training opportunities, including instructor-led classes, videos and online courses. Allegion doesn’t have a certification program.
ASSA ABLOY: ASSA ABLOY Phoenix offers hands-on training from introductory to intermediate levels in order to expand the solutions that security professionals can provide to their customers. The courses are designed to advance the skills of everyone from a new apprentice to mid-level locksmiths and access control technicians who are seeking continuous education. Many of our courses are certified for CEUs by organizations such as ALOA and ESA as well as states that require CEUs of those who work in the locksmith and security industries. Courses are offered coast to coast in the United States as well in Canada and Mexico. Our two knowledgeable trainers are on the road 45 weeks a year. In 2016, Rodger Schmidt and Russ Anderson taught a combined 354 courses to nearly 4,900 attendees.
A full course offering can be found online at http://www.assaabloyems.com/en/local/assa-abloy-emsoem/training1/.
ASSA ABLOY University: ASSA ABLOY University offers a variety of both instructor-led and online courses that cover the most important topics for all industry professionals – including locksmiths, installers, facility managers, architects and distributors – with programs customized for each audience. These courses are designed to help the professional expand their knowledge about the many components of a total door opening solution. They explore innovative technologies as well as real-world applications to enable a higher level of technical expertise on projects.
Classes include broad, multi-day offerings like “Essentials of Door Hardware”, and shorter instructor-led or online classes on specific products or technologies. Suggested learning paths help ensure that students get the most out of our training programs. Most access control hardware solutions are sold through ASSA ABLOY Authorized Channel Partners and must be installed by Certified Integrators. Both groups undergo extensive training through ASSA ABLOY University to ensure thorough knowledge about these solutions.
ASSA ABLOY University has four major training centers in the United States – each equipped with full-size door labs for hands-on training in a real-world environment. Training can also be scheduled at nearly any location, and our mobile installation training classroom is available for a unique hands-on experience. Recently ASSA ABLOY has partnered with ALOA (ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. www.ALOA.org) where members of the locksmith and security industry can find support and resources. ALOA now recognizes ASSA ABLOY training certifications awarding ALOA AEU credits. For more information, visit www.assaabloyamericasuniversity.com.
Continental Access: Continental Access, a division of Napco Security Technologies, is a respected security innovator and pioneer in integrated access and security solutions for government, institutions and business. Continental offers instructor-led training courses, as well as Free online webinars on Continental’s software and hardware ,and applications including hosted services and school and healthcare campus lockdown and threat level management. Continental's field training courses are generally 2 days, and are offered throughout the US on a regular basis. The customizable classes are offered to all Continental dealer/integrators, A/Es and sponsored-endusers.
NAPCO: Napco offers training classes locally nationwide or online webinar classes. Classes are free and some offer CEU credit. For the full training schedule and class details visit www.napcosecurity.com/training
Paxton: Paxton provides dealer-focused access control training workshops, which are BICSI CEC registered. These training sessions are available on a variety of dates at locations across the country.
Strattec: Strattec offers various training opportunities throughout the year and in various locations. They are at both distributor shows and association shows such as ALOA. We also participate in yearly Just Cars events located throughout the U.S.
Please list the technologies and topics you offer training for.
Alarm Lock: Alarm Lock offers training on the Trilogy Standalone Access Control lock. We offer sessions on manually programming the T2, Installation and Repair of the Trilogy lock and the Networx wirelessly programmed locks. Also offered are sessions on the Trilogy programming software DL Windows, the Data Transfer Module and the Pilfer Guard PG21.
Allegion: Topics that Allegion offers in technology training include networked wireless and wired locks, standalone electronic locks, cloud-based web and mobile access systems and applications, electronic credentials, installation and integration, and more. Communication and connectivity technologies include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile, 900 MHz, RS-485, IP, Wiegand, clock and data, smart cards (13.56 MHz) and proximity cards (125 kHz).
ASSA ABLOY: Training topics range from specific ASSA ABLOY Phoenix product lines such as Adams Rite Mechanical to Electrical Upgrade, Alarm Controls and Securitron Maglocks, and HES Electric Strikes and Product Applications. In addition, our skilled instructors offer their knowledge and expertise on a variety of topics including Aperio Products and Applications, Basic Low Voltage Electricity for Installers, Advanced Electronic System Wiring and Basic Troubleshooting, and Codes and Site Surveys.
ASSA ABLOY University: Instructor-led training is offered on a variety of topics related to security and door opening solutions, including locks, master keying, automated openers, tornado and windstorm product training, electronic access control, magnetic locking systems, and Aperio and IP-enabled WiFi and Power over Ethernet (PoE) products. ASSA ABLOY also offers courses on common code, laws, and fire-rated openings. Our eLearning system also offers hundreds of self-paced on-line courses.
Continental Access: A typical Continental training will cover in hands-on detail, the new Continental Enterprise class end-to-end CA4K software security management solution. Known for ultra-scalable enterprise systems, integrating access control, video, alarms and wireless locking, newly-released CA4K Security Management Platform features an all-new look, intuitive UI, infinite integration and distributed database options. Continental Trainings also highlight new labor-saving hardware, such as their new UNIverse CICP2100 POE Single-Door Controller - Power over Ethernet (POE) , that fits in a double-gang electrical box, for easy deployment, controlling up to 2 readers or keypad and/or electric strike on adjacent door - a 40 percent cost savings per door. A popular new hot module for dealers/integrators seeking incremental recurring revenue is CA4K’s new Comprehensive Web Client and multi database partitioning, ideal for Hosted Managed Services. Other topics covered in the course include the many standard features such as Threat Level Management, Area Lockdown, Standard/Multi-Area APB, First Manager-In for CardAccess and Free Access, Dynamic Map Control, Photo Badging and others, ideal for school and healthcare campuses.
Along with the CA4K software and all its capabilities, the complete line of Continental Controllers will be covered, from one to sixteen doors. In addition, to the uniVerse POE Single Door Controller, Continental offers wireless access locks that become intelli-edge single door real-time controllers with built in readers, native on the CA4K platform, and easily, seamlessly intermixed with its broad Conventional Hardware Line , including fast, powerful 2- to 16-Door Conventional Controllers.
NAPCO: Topics include award-winning StarLink Communicators including Universal Intrusion Communicators, Dual Path Fire Communicators and new StarLink Connect; iBridge Connected Home with iBridge Messenger SMS/MMS Notifications and iBridge Video; GEMC Commercial 24V Addressable/Conventional/Wireless Systems and Firewolf Fire Panels & Devices.
Paxton: Paxton’s training is offered across our full product range including Net2, a networked access control system and Paxton BLU, a cloud-based access control system. Net2 is broken up into two separate workshops, Net2 Essential and Net2 Advanced.
Net2 Essential covers:
- Installing and configuring the Net2 hardware
- Commissioning the system using Net2 software
- Integration with Net2 Entry; our door entry solution
- Day to day use of the system
Net2 Advanced covers:
- Installing and configuring using Net2 Pro software
- Unlocking the advanced features of the Net2 Pro software
- Integrating Net2 with third party products including biometrics and fire/intruder alarms
- Other applications and additional hardware
Paxton BLU covers:
- Understanding the cloud-based access control model
- Components and architecture of Paxton BLU
- Installation, configuration and commissioning of the system
STRATTEC: STRATTEC provides an update on new technologies and what we supply to the automotive OE manufacturers. We also offer a hands-on portion to our class that has included high security pinning of door and ignition locks that we manufacture as the original equipment supplier for GM and Ford.
What cutting edge training and techniques you may be employing that make your program unique?
Alarm Lock: In 2014, Alarm Lock created a National Training Manager’s position and hired Andy Phelps, CRL, ACE, who has been a locksmith for over 25 years and training locksmiths in Tennessee since 2010. The courses offered by Alarm Lock are certified in the states that require CEU credits for licensing. Alarm Lock offers free live webinars throughout the year with multiple sessions each day to fit into a locksmith’s busy schedule. There are also training videos on the Alarm Lock website. The locksmith can also sign up for a technical blog that sends them updates on Alarm Lock products directly to their email inbox. They are currently working on a Youtube channel that will offer 3-5 minute mini training videos on topics such as manually programming the Trilogy lock and the DL Windows software. All of the online training options can be found on the Alarm Lock website, www.alarmlock.com.
Allegion: Allegion takes a blended approach to training. For our security technicians and locksmiths especially, Allegion has prioritized training videos over other teaching methods because they are easy to access on an as-needed basis. Videos can even be viewed while working at customer sites. To make the training videos even easier to locate, our training team created free iOS and Android mobile apps for our Schlage®, Schlage Electronics, LCN, Von Duprin and Falcon brands. These apps provide fast access to how-to videos, user guides, installation instructions, data sheets and more.
ASSA ABLOY: Our training program is solutions-based. We show the student the solution, where to use the solution, and how to install the solution. A majority of the courses are hands-on. The students want to handle the products and actually test their skills to make the products work properly. We also make sure they know our support extends beyond the classroom through our skilled Customer Care team and the free ASSA ABLOY Tech Support App available for download on Apple and Google Play. Our goal with every training session is to make a positive impact, showcase how students can produce quality workmanship for their customers, and leave a lasting impression for the end-user. Our specialized training sessions focus on informing, educating and exciting students, which ultimately opens doors to convenience in their daily work, positive solutions for their customers, and enhanced security for end-users.
ASSA ABLOY Phoenix Product Trainers
o Russ Anderson; [email protected]
o Rodger Schmidt; [email protected]
ASSA ABLOY University: ASSA ABLOY utilizes state-of-the-art tools, jigs, templates, and much more to create real-life experiences for the students. We offer interactive work using full size and desktop model openings with the latest in opening and security hardware, software and test equipment. Our instructors hold certifications in a wide variety of locksmith industry specialties. Many have a long history as professional locksmiths as well. Our classrooms are equipped with projection systems and the newest Microsoft Surface computers for a true interactive experience.
This year we unveiled our Mobile Installation Training (MIT) vehicle. This 55-foot long mobile training facility can be driven anywhere, bringing the training right to the student. Once in place, the sides of the vehicle expand outward to reveal a full-sized classroom. From performing site surveys, application analysis, presentations, proposals, installation and service, the locksmith and security specialist has many options to enhance her or his knowledge, credentialing and professionalism in our industry..
NAPCO: Classes are available locally, in the field nationwide, or at your computer in the comfort of your home or office with online live webinar classes. Training is available on award-winning StarLink Communicators including Universal Intrusion Communicators, Dual Path Fire Communicators and new StarLink Connect; iBridge Connected Home now with iBridge Messenger SMS/MMS Notifications and iBridge Video; GEMC Commercial 24V Addressable/Conventional/Wireless Systems and Firewolf Fire Panels & Devices. For a full list of classes, dates and locations, or to register for classes, visit www.napcosecurity.com/training
Paxton: Paxton’s access control training teaches dealers to offer their customers a complete security solution and grow their business. The training workshops are designed to provide dealers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to install Paxton products. Our BICSI CEC registered courses include a method of short lectures followed by hands-on practical sessions to helps dealers to get familiar with the systems in the classroom. Training includes installation techniques, fault finding, administration, and use of the systems. Dealers gain confidence to install and specify Paxton products and offer the best access control solution to their customers.
Strattec: We provide education in a few different ways. In terms of getting to locksmiths who do not have the time or resources to travel, we started up our on-line STRATTEC Locksmith University. This is an online course that provides updates on various products and has a test at the end. The course is a pass/ fail and we have offered various incentives over the years to take and pass this such as rebates.
We also have the Distributor University that we encourage of distributor partners to complete online to be able to assist the locksmiths on our product line. Each of these groups is offered a STRATTEC certified locksmith or distributor designation upon completing and passing the course. Lastly, for those who cannot make an in-person session, we also offer videos on our website to enable the locksmith the opportunity to learn about new locks that we produce and how to assemble them.
