A “non-traditional” start to your career could be the first step to success within the security industry.

The path to success doesn’t always rely on getting the best grades, and can be “non-traditional”… just ask Curtis Wright, Director of Electronic Security and Monitoring Services at ASM.

For some people, like myself, excellent exam results and thriving academically doesn’t come easy. While this can understandably be stressful for students and parents come exam/ results season, it’s always important to consider that higher education isn’t the only option that leads to a successful, rewarding career.

My career journey started with average GCSE results. 20 years ago there were fewer non-traditional opportunities and routes outside of higher education. Apprenticeships weren’t as supported, promoted route like they are today, so many in my situation felt a little lost. I chose to pursue a Higher National Certification (HNC) course at my local Abingdon college, studying Mechanical Engineering. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy it. It was much more theory based than I was expecting and for me it wasn’t the right path, I knew I had to get out there and get my hands dirty but wanted to do this whilst furthering my education.

I was looking for something different, plumbing and mechanics didn’t give me any sparks (excuse the pun) but lucky enough an opportunity soon came up in an industry I wasn’t even aware of, fire and security, and this did excite me. I’d be working full time and training with a one day a week college visit for an initial 3 years, and the opportunities to learn and grow with them professionally and personally were brilliant. So much so that I ended up staying, and further growing, with Chubb Fire & Security until 2018 – 15 years since my apprenticeship began! Despite not having the formal education of A Levels or a University Degree, I thrived at the company thanks to their support and training, as well as my hard work and determination.

I was employed as a Service and Install Engineer for around 5 years, learning the ropes and developing professionally through training. This included completing an NVQ Level 2 – Fire, Security and Emergency Alarm Systems and an NVQ Level 3 – Security Systems Technical Services. I then found myself excited to take the next step – a Team Leader role in the Intruder Service Engineer department. This led to me becoming Operations Manager and, eventually, General Manager.

I am incredibly proud of my journey. From getting average grades at GCSE and not knowing where to go, to becoming a successful leader and manager, moving on to Head of Service and Director at Scutum, before embarking on my latest chapter with ICTS and ASM where I am Director of Electronic Security and Monitoring Services. If I can do it, so can the next generation, and I hope I get the chance to support them through their development.

Opportunities for apprenticeships and other “non-traditional” paths into lucrative careers are, luckily, more available and publicised now than they were when I was starting out. They are a great hands on way to learn and grow both professionally and personally. When networking I’ll often talk to people who have found their way through these “non-traditional” routes, who are proud of their successful careers across the industry in leadership, sales, finance, marketing and more.

In summary, for me personally finding something that excites you makes learning and committing your time and energy a hell of lot easier. Traditional routes aren’t for everyone, but building a long and successful career via alternative offerings can be just as fruitful. I have managed to work in some of the most amazing places, within an incredibly wide and diverse number of sectors, as well as traveling Europe to carry out my roles. Education doesn’t stop at GCSE’s or in traditional academic routes, find what works for you and never stop learning.