Across the industry, companies are navigating a shrinking pipeline of technical and skilled trade workers along with increased competition for talent from adjacent industries such as IT and technology. Compounding the rising competition for talent is a lack of awareness among students about the dynamic, high-impact careers available in security. This growing challenge makes attracting new talent to the security industry not just a workforce issue, but a strategic business priority.
The reality is that many students simply don’t know the security industry offers meaningful, technology-driven, purpose-filled careers. They don’t see the pathways in engineering, sales, project management, cybersecurity, integration, operations or executive leadership that our industry provides.
“If we want to continue innovating, protecting communities and driving growth, we must invest in the next generation of security professionals—today,” said John Nemerofsky, chair of the FAST Board of Directors and chief operating officer at SAGE Integration. “Without security industry professionals actively telling our story, we risk losing top talent to other trades and industries that already have well-established career pathways embedded within trade schools and college education systems.”
To build awareness about the exciting career paths in security and educate students and job seekers about the types of roles for which security companies are currently hiring, the Security Industry Association (SIA) and PSA partnered to publish the Security Industry Careers Guide. Volunteers at FAST are now taking this publication along with other relevant recruitment resources and sharing them with career services departments at schools and colleges across the U.S. in a coordinated college outreach campaign.
The FAST College Outreach Program is designed to create meaningful, structured connections between students and the security industry. Volunteers gain access to student networks and help build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for hiring and recruitment.
“So far, the FAST college outreach initiative has attracted over 30 volunteers from various security companies who are willing to connect with students to share their expertise and real-world experience and we are continuing to grow the effort,” said Stephenie Haldane, chair of the FAST College Outreach Committee and vice president of end user and A+E sales PACS-NAM at HID. “This program goes beyond recruitment to really help show students the breadth of roles available in our industry—from technical and engineering careers to business development, sales, marketing and beyond.”
The program also ensures that volunteers stay informed and engaged through bimonthly meetings, events and regular email communications. This structure allows members to contribute in meaningful ways while staying connected to a broader, industry wide effort to strengthen the workforce.
Getting involved in FAST’s College Outreach Program isn’t just good for the industry—it’s a strategic advantage for your company. Through FAST, members gain early access to emerging talent, increase visibility among students and universities, strengthen recruitment pipelines and position their organizations as employers of choice, all while developing leadership skills within their teams. Most importantly, participation demonstrates a commitment to the long-term health of the security ecosystem because building the future workforce requires intentional outreach, mentorship and professionals willing to open doors for the next generation.
If you are passionate about innovation, growth and strengthening our workforce, now is the time to step forward. Whether you’re a seasoned executive, a technical expert or an emerging leader, your voice and experience matter. Join the FAST College Outreach Program and help shape the next generation of security professionals while advancing your own network and industry impact.
Visit https://advancingsecurity.org to sign up today.