This is a problem with several contributing facets.
There are companies willing to employ unskilled labor to hang security equipment. These guys become security "technicians" by default. There is nothing inherintly wrong with the idea as long as these new guys are shepherded along by educated, experienced technicians who truly understand the hardware, software and best (worst) practices. Lets be honest; if it weren't for on-job training, many of us and our friends would be where we are in the industry. However, that is not an excuse to run shoddy products, craftsmanship or service into our customers facilities. Somewhere along the line, a qualified professional must be involved to ensure the end user gets a safe and reliable system.
Another problem is where end user companies are willing to give their money to low-end installers or shady integrators. We have all seen it. Why is this? Well...security is not a profit center for any business (except security businesses). Dropping 10, 30, 60 grand on a security or surveillence system is not anything companies like to do. It's simply a matter of money. Anyone who could afford to buy better equipment or pay better people, would do so.
We have a unique set of technicians in my company. They are not only great installers but good with theory, good with networking and good with customers. Why? We grow them that way. We know that the best way to have the "perfect technician" is to turn great people into great technicians. This translates into better installations with fewer service calls, more referrals, and, other technicians from other companys want to work with us.
We started our own online technical academy, and everyone in the company can see and learn the same infomation. Our sales people can use the information to make better walk throughs. They can also list the academy as a feature that puts us above the competition. Its available for the technician from any internet computer or mobile device.
There are businesses that will always go for the lowest cost. We don't compete in that realm and it helps tremendously. When things are close and competition is tough, our deep technical competencies are what get us the jobs. Access control, ip video, analog video and networking allow us to have plenty to offer our potential customers.
I remember when I was a new technician years ago, starting out as a non-experienced CATV tech. If it werent for excellent senior technicians, I would not have stayed in such a great field and advaned to where I am today.