The Nevada Security Association (NSA) has announced that on August 20, 2009 they met with the Nevada State Apprenticeship Council and their application for apprenticeship was approved. For the past 12 months, the NSA worked directly with the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and their representative, Art Webster, to fine tune the program. Webster collaborated with the NSA board of directors and the Federal Apprenticeship Liaison to craft a program modeled on existing NBFAA offerings while meeting Nevada state-specific requirements.

The apprenticeship program is for the occupation of protective signal installer (fire/life safety and electronic security installer). It will standardize training throughout Nevada and create a path for acquiring the Nevada state fire card, which is required to service fire systems in Nevada.

Apprenticeship programs create opportunities for people to learn a trade while employed and foster a win-win situation for employers and the increasing pool of potential apprentices. The program gives job candidates a way to distinguish themselves through their participation while employers benefit from knowing the apprentice is trained to a common standard.

Howard Wulforst of Stanley Works, who was instrumental in the apprenticeship program approval process said, “It was a long road, and we know that the approval of the program is simply the beginning. We have created an apprenticeship program that the State of Nevada can be proud of. Now we need to get to work implementing it.”