Hiring and Sponsoring Security system installers and repairers (SOC Code 5245)

Security System Installers and Repairers, classified under SOC Code 5245, are skilled professionals responsible for ensuring the safety and security of residential and commercial properties. Their role encompasses a wide range of activities that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of security measures installed in various environments:

• Client Engagement: Discusses security needs with clients to tailor solutions that best fit their requirements.
• On-Site Surveys: Conducts thorough assessments to determine specific security needs and vulnerabilities.
• System Installation: 
• Installs a variety of security systems, including:
  • • Intruder alarms
    • Fire alarms
    • Surveillance and monitoring equipment
  • Access control systems
  • Connects these systems to control panels for seamless operation.
• System Maintenance: 
  • Services existing security systems to ensure optimal functionality.
  • Tests systems for faults, identifying issues that could compromise security.
• Emergency Response: Responds promptly to call-outs for repairs on faulty or inoperative equipment, ensuring quick resolution to maintain safety.

With the increasing emphasis on security in today's society, the demand for skilled security system installers and repairers is on the rise. Organizations, businesses, and homeowners are actively seeking professionals who can provide expertise and reliable service. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for security system installers and repairers under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Security system installers and repairers?

SOC Code 5245 refers to security system installers and repairers who ensure the safety and security of properties through the installation and maintenance of security systems. Their responsibilities can include:

• Consulting with clients: Discussing security needs and advising on suitable systems.
• Conducting on-site surveys: Assessing properties to identify security requirements.
• Installing security systems: Setting up intruder alarms, fire alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems, and connecting them to control panels.
• Maintaining and servicing systems: Testing existing equipment for faults and performing necessary repairs.
• Responding to call-outs: Addressing urgent service requests and repairing faulty or inoperative security equipment.

Security system installers and repairers play an essential role in enhancing safety measures, protecting properties, and providing peace of mind to clients.

Eligibility to Hire Security system installers and repairers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Security system installers and repairers must possess specific qualifications and skills to ensure effective performance and customer satisfaction. These may include:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in installing, repairing, and maintaining various security systems such as intruder alarms, fire alarms, surveillance equipment, and access control systems.
• Client Interaction: Ability to discuss security needs with clients to determine the most appropriate solutions and explain the operation of installed equipment.
• Site Surveys: Experience in conducting on-site surveys to assess security requirements and recommend suitable systems.
• Problem-Solving: Capability to troubleshoot and test existing systems for faults, ensuring that any issues are promptly identified and resolved.
• Emergency Response: Willingness to respond to emergency call-outs to repair faulty or inoperative security equipment as needed.
• Education and Training: While formal education may not be mandatory, certifications in electronics, telecommunications, or related fields can be beneficial.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 5245 and that the applicant’s experience and qualifications meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Security system installers and repairers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Security system installers and repairers under SOC Code 5245.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Security system installers and repairers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Security system installers and repairers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Security system installers and repairers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Security system installers and repairers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Security system installers and repairers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Security system installers and repairers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Security system installers and repairers

Before the Security system installers and repairers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Security system installers and repairers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Security system installers and repairers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Security system installers and repairers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Security system installers and repairers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Security system installers and repairerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Security system installers and repairers

Sponsoring Security system installers and repairers under SOC Code 5245 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Security system installers and repairers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Security system installers and repairers under SOC Code 5245 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.