You could do a college course that would give you a strong foundation and some of the skills needed for this job. It may help you to find a trainee or apprenticeship position with a smart home installation company.

Courses include:

• electrical and electronic engineering
• electrical installation
• information technology
• computer science
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, for example:

• Smart Home Technician
• Network Cable Installer
• Electrical, Electronic Product Service and Installation Engineer

You may be able to do an Audiovisual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship if you already have experience or qualifications in this type of work.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths

If you’re working as a junior or assistant installer, after doing an apprenticeship or college course, you could take on-the-job training to become certified.

This would demonstrate your competence and show you have the knowledge and skills necessary to install and maintain smart home technology systems.

Certifications include:

• Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT)
• Integrated Systems Technician (IST)

You'll need:

• ability to connect computer networks, cabling and telecoms systems
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• problem-solving skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• customer service skills
• knowledge of maths
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

You might need a driving licence to travel between jobs.

You may need an electrotechnical certification scheme (ECS) card to work on larger jobs, for example on a new build construction site.

As a smart home installer, you would work on systems that control:

• lighting, home cinema and multi-room audio
• communications
• security features
• heating, air-conditioning and ventilation
• doors, windows, blinds and gates

You could:

• work with customers to design their smart home system
• provide estimates for project timescales and costs
• install, connect and calibrate smart home devices and controls
• test circuits and components to make sure they’re working properly
• find and fix faults
• install equipment upgrades
• configure devices, controls and settings to achieve best performance
• show customers how to operate their smart home system

You could work at a client's home, on an apartment block or on a new housing development.

Your working environment may be at height, cramped and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.