Optic Security Collaborating With Balga TAFE On New Pathways To Security Industry.
Optic Security Collaborating With Balga TAFE – Optic Security Group is collaborating with Balga TAFE to deliver hands-on mentoring and mock interviews for electrical pre-apprenticeship students.
Patrick Hill, operations manager for Optic Security Group WA, Perth branch, was recently invited to conduct mock interviews for 15 students at Balga TAFE. Alongside Alex Sheed from Sheed Electrical WA, and Ron Hill, the students’ lecturer.
With interview spots in electrical roles often attracting over 100 applicants, the goal was to prepare students with real-world interview experience. Each 15-minute session involved professional questioning, an opportunity for students to ask questions, and personalised feedback to boost their readiness for real world job interviews.
“For me, this is about giving back to the security and electrical industry that has supported my career and apprentices over the years,” Hill said. “It’s also a chance to show these students the diverse pathways they can take within the trade, including security.
“The converged security sector, where technology and trade expertise meet, is evolving fast. We need bright, capable individuals to join us and drive the future of this industry. These kinds of initiatives help us uncover and attract that talent early.”
Hill said the initiative highlights Optic’s forward-thinking approach to nurturing future talent and expanding awareness of the security industry in Australia.
Optic Security Collaborating With Balga TAFE
“As an innovator in security solutions, Optic sees electrical trades as a key pipeline to build future capabilities,” Hill said. “The company believes that by mentoring students and providing insight into alternative career paths like security, it can support not only the trades sector but also the growth of the security industry itself.
“At Optic, we are constantly looking for new ways to support both our industry and future tradespeople. The talent pool for security professionals is growing more diverse, and many of these young men and women have the skills to excel in both trades and technology-focused roles. We want them to see security not just as an option, but as a dynamic and rewarding career choice.”
According to Hill, Australia’s security industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding infrastructure, businesses, and communities. However, Hill said sector is facing challenges in attracting skilled talent due to misconceptions about what the industry offers. Initiatives like the one at Balga TAFE are a step toward changing that narrative by exposing students to the real-world applications of trade skills within security.
Vicki Barber, brand strategy and innovation director at Optic Security Group emphasised the importance of supporting young people in their early career journeys.
“We need to empower the next generation with the resources and skills they need to succeed, whether that’s in the trades or other career paths,” Barber said. “Experiences like mentoring and interview practice are invaluable because they bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
“It’s about giving students the confidence and practical knowledge they need to navigate the professional world. At Optic, we see it as our responsibility to support these experiences, and we are excited about initiatives like this that foster growth, connection, and real-world learning.”
You can learn more about Optic Security Group here or read more SEN news here.
“Optic Security Collaborating With Balga TAFE On New Pathways To Security Industry.”
