Looking ahead to 2026 with David Scott, Skills for Security

As part of an online miniseries, David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security discusses his industry predictions for 2026.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself, your job role and how long you have been at the company?

I’m David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security.

I have been with the organisation for over six years, during which time we’ve grown from a small training provider into the UK’s largest fire and security skills specialist.

My role focuses on leading our strategy and setting the direction of travel for the business. I work closely with our stakeholders and shareholders to ensure we’re addressing the sector’s biggest challenges head-on. 

This includes a focus on emerging technologies, the widening skills gap or a rapidly shifting regulatory landscape.

I’m closely involved in solution-led sales with larger enterprise clients, supporting them to build internal academies and long-term workforce pipelines.

I oversee the development of new products and services, from Skills On-Demand, which is our AI-powered digital learning platform to technical training programmes designed to upskill engineers quickly and effectively.

Day to day, my focus is on driving innovation, improving how we onboard and support apprentices and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, accessible training that genuinely pushes the industry forward.

What are some of the key trends and predictions you think we will see in the security industry in 2026?

Looking ahead to 2026, several major shifts are set to reshape the fire and security sector.

• The skills shortages will continue to push companies to rethink how they build their talent pipelines: Demand for qualified engineers will keep outpacing supply, prompting organisations to lean more heavily on apprenticeships, internal academies and structured upskilling routes. Those that invest in “growing their own” talent will gain a clear competitive advantage over those relying solely on recruitment

• Integrated, smart-building technology will accelerate at pace: Security is no longer operating in silos; CCTV, access control, fire systems, intruder alarms and building management platforms are integrating and converging. This shift is driving demand for multi-skilled “super engineers” with strong networking, IoT and systems-integration expertise. Training provision will need to evolve rapidly to keep up

• Digital learning and AI-powered training will become standard: With the industry moving faster than ever, traditional training models can’t deliver the agility employers need. AI-driven platforms, such as our own Skills On-Demand system, will offer bite-size learning, real-time competency tracking and personalised development paths for installers, designers and managers

• Regulation and competency requirements will continue to tighten: New standards, life-safety responsibilities and insurance-driven compliance will shift the focus to ongoing competence rather than one-off qualifications. As a result, third-party certification and digital credentialing will grow significantly

• The globalisation of training and best practice will accelerate: UK standards and training frameworks are increasingly respected worldwide with growing demand emerging from Asia, the Middle East and Australia. By 2026, international partnerships and exported training programmes will represent a major growth opportunity for UK providers

What is one piece of advice you would give organisations and professionals as they head into 2026?

If I could offer one piece of advice to organisations and professionals heading into 2026, it would be to invest in your people now.

Skills are rapidly becoming the biggest competitive advantage in the security industry.

Technology, standards and customer expectations are evolving and the organisations to stay ahead will be the ones that take development seriously and build it into everyday practice.

That means creating clear pathways for progression, committing to continual upskilling, embracing modern digital learning methods and supporting individuals from apprentice level right through to senior engineer.

Just as importantly, it means creating a culture where learning is constant, expected and valued.

The companies that fall behind will be those still waiting for the “finished engineer” to appear on the job market.

The engineers of the future are the ones you develop, support and equip with the right tools to grow with smart security technology.

The sooner organisations recognise this, the stronger their position will be.