Empowering the Next Generation: Pro AV Solutions' Institute of AV Technology

In response to the growing need for skilled professionals in the AV industry, Pro AV Solutions has been promoting the Institute of AV Technology, a first-of-its-kind apprenticeship program designed to develop future AV specialists.

The $250B AV industry is one of the fastest growing industries across the globe. As a commercial industry when we refer to audio-visual technology or AV, we’re talking about the synchronisation of audio equipment like speakers and microphones with visual equipment such as cameras, projectors, and video walls. In today’s digitised world, the AV solution is all interconnected with video conferencing and collaboration technology such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom & Cisco Webex. These solutions are designed, deployed, and supported by the AV industry. Accordingly, the industry has continually upskilled with key IT certifications ensuring best-practice IT protocols and processes are adhered as these solutions are sitting on the client network. It’s one of the most dynamic industries around, but less well known when it comes to career paths.

The Institute offers a comprehensive four-year course that integrates expertise from the AV, IT, and construction sectors, providing students with essential certifications such as electronics, open cabling, and the globally recognised AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) qualification.

As the AV industry experiences rapid growth and increasing demand for cutting-edge solutions in areas like conferencing, digital signage, and immersive experiences, the skills shortage has become a significant challenge for businesses. Pro AV Solutions, a leader in AV integration in Australia, saw this challenge as an opportunity to create structured, industry-specific training that could supply the market with well-qualified professionals.

‍

What the Institute Offers
‍

The apprenticeship curriculum is crafted to give participants practical, hands-on experience, ensuring they are prepared for real-world AV projects. Throughout the program, apprentices will learn how to design, install, and maintain AV systems, including the latest technologies in digital communication, immersive displays, and smart building solutions.

An AV apprenticeship is unlike other apprenticeships. It is a mix of construction and IT. With the need to install and secure heavy hardware such as large displays and projectors, AV technicians need to be able to read construction plans, elevations, reflected ceiling plans, and layouts. However, at the same time, the AV technicians need to understand audio, acoustics, visual, lighting, network, and security to bring the whole technology solution to life. This requires a skill set of IT and electronics intertwined with construction skills to be able to deliver a quality AV solution.

Until now, there has been no structured AV apprenticeship and a lack of qualifications and hands-on training. Institute of AV Technology graduates will complete a four-year apprenticeship, which includes a mix of theory and practical modules. Upon completion, graduates will receive:

• A Certificate III in Electronics and Communications
• An open cabling qualification
• The AVIXA Certified Technology Specialist qualification and
• Four years of practical industry experience establishing the foundations for future career pathways and development.

The program provides graduates with a clear understanding of the industry and career pathway options. The opportunities are endless with roles such as site technicians, programmers, commissioners, service technicians and project managers. Graduates will be assisted throughout the program to help secure rewarding careers in the industry with AV integrators.

‍

Having worked in the industry for over a decade across project delivery, engineering and managed services, my AV apprenticeship allowed me to develop the technical and professional skills I needed for a successful career in the AV industry.

Joe Taylor, Institute of AV Technology Mentor

‍

‍
‍A Pathway to Rewarding Career
‍

Anthony Jeffcoat, founder of the Institute of AV Technology, emphasised the importance of offering structured career pathways to attract young talent into the AV industry. He said

The AV sector presents countless opportunities, but there has been a clear gap in structured training that combines theory with practical experience. Our apprenticeship program is designed to provide just that, giving participants the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment.

As Pro AV Solutions continues to lead in the AV integration space, the Institute of AV Technology marks a significant step in addressing the industry's skills shortage and ensuring that businesses have access to the talent needed to drive innovation in AV solutions.

For more information on how to apply or partner with the Institute, visit the Institute of AV Technology.

‍