ESA Delivers US Dept of Labor Approved Apprenticeship Program in Partnership with NJELSA. The Electronic Security Association (ESA) is proud to announce its recent partnership with The New Jersey Electronic Life Safety Association (NJELSA) to launch a new Electronic Security & Life Safety Apprenticeship Program in New Jersey. As part of the partnership agreement, ESA will serve as the sole training provider for the apprenticeship program. 

ESA has spearheaded educational programs nationwide for decades, offering state-compliant certifications and training. Similarly, NJELSA has long been a leader in industry training within New Jersey, offering licensure programs, certification opportunities, including ESA courses, and an annual symposium. The decision for the two to partner for this new apprenticeship program represents a unique opportunity to prepare the next generation for careers in the industry. 

The United States Department of Labor-Approved Apprenticeship Program provides a certification and experience-based opportunity for those getting a start in the Electronic Security and Life Safety Industry.  

In a recent meeting with Joe Cioffi, President of NJELSA, and Christine Higgins, Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Program, ESA discussed the innovative training offerings and approach this program will bring to the industry. 

“Our apprenticeship program is tailored for the Electronic Security and Life Safety Industry,” shares President Cioffi. “We’ve heard of other programs that are more generic in scope, but we feel that we’ve created something perfect for apprentices and people looking to train specifically in our industry and move forward in it.” 

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, blending an overview of various industry sectors with hands-on technical training. It is suitable for individuals pursuing roles as systems technicians, sales professionals, and more. 

The apprenticeship program consists of two primary components: 

Educational Training

Apprentices will complete 450 hours of self-guided training and participate in weekly sessions with live instructor Ken Nelson. Nelson, Channel Partner Manager at M2M Services, brings over 40 years of industry experience and was previously named ESA’s National Training School Instructor of the Year. He will provide support by reviewing training modules and addressing apprentice questions. 

Apprentices will take midterm exams in person and complete their educational journey with a final exam, culminating in six semesters of training over three years. 

On-the-Job Experience 

Apprentices will log 6,000 hours of on-the-job training, covering various industry categories under the guidance of their on-site supervisor. Hours will be tracked through an online portal, and upon completion, apprentices will receive ESA certification and a certificate of completion from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

The program aims to recruit both new entrants to the industry and current employees seeking additional training. 

“At the end of the day,” Cioffi explains. “Fire and security systems are necessary to infrastructure, and these types of jobs can’t be replaced by AI and outsourcing. So, we believe this industry is a great place to learn and cultivate new generations.” 

“There’s a huge need for technicians and employees in this industry, and we’re super excited to be able to help that need,” Higgins adds. “And it’s taken us quite a few years to get this apprenticeship up and running and approved. But we’re here. And we’re very proud of it.” 

“ESA is honored to work alongside NJELSA to deliver the curriculum used to train tomorrow’s workforce today,” says ESA CEO Merlin Guilbeau. “Their apprenticeship program addresses the industry’s need to remain competitive by investing in the development of technicians, and continually upgrading the skills of the industry workforce.” 

The program launched in late September, with ESA and NJELSA eager to welcome a new wave of talent to the industry. This apprenticeship program not only equips individuals with vital skills but also creates opportunities for long-term career growth in an essential, evolving field. Currently, the program already has fourteen apprentices enrolled. Together, ESA and NJELSA are shaping the future of the Electronic Security and Life Safety Industry, ensuring it remains robust, innovative, and responsive to the demands of tomorrow. ESA Delivers US Dept of Labor Approved Apprenticeship Program in Partnership with NJELSA