Are today's techs not so 'tech'?

In today’s low voltage and/or systems integration industry there are numerous avenues available for technicians and employers to obtain training and education.  I have always been on the fence in regards to who should incur the cost of continuing education.  On one hand I feel as a technician you have chosen a career path and should always work towards improving upon your skills and knowledge which in return makes you a more valuable employee.  On the other hand as an employer you are making an investment in your work force that improves upon and possibly increases the services you can offer your clients.  One very common mistake made by both parties is that experience alone constitutes a more knowledgeable and effective technician.  If you’ve spent fifteen years as a technician being misinformed and learning bad habits that just means your fourteen years worse off than the guy that’s only been working a year.  Experience is vital but the combination of education and experience is a far more successful and lucrative plan for a long term and expansive career path.

One of my first suggestions to anyone from technicians to salespeople to engineers is to read trade publications.  Trade publications offer a tremendous variety of information in small easy to digest portions.  Not only do these publications provide articles that are informative and educational they keep you up to date on current products and advances in new technology.  We are all aware that the A/V industry is advancing at a dizzying pace and each month can bring substantial changes.  I know of many people that benefit greatly when learning about new technology advancements because it helps them better understand existing and/or older technology.  A lot of people are amazed at what they can learn just from manufacturer’s advertisements.  More importantly what’s really great about true trade publications is that several subscriptions are free.  When I refer to “true” trade publications what I’m referring to is magazines and periodicals published specifically with industry professionals in mind.  Examples would be CE Pro (Consumer Electronics Pro), SCN (Systems Contractor News), Sound & Communications, Pro Sound News, Government Video and Pro Audio Review just to name a few.

Now this suggestion is greatly dependant on your geographic location.  Always take advantage of free classes, seminars or manufacturer training.  The frequency and variety of these events will vary greatly depending on your location.  I know of very few business owners that are not willing to excuse an employee for a day or a few hours to attend some sort of training.  Even further it reflects well on you the employee when you bring these events to your boss’ attention and request to attend.

Of course there are also formal classes you can attend as well as certifications you can study for and obtain.  A great example of a first rate organization offering classes with an impeccable reputation is Syn-Aud-Con (Synergistic Audio Concepts).  In regards to certifications one of my highest recommendations would be NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies).  NICET offers certification in Sound & Communications as well as Fire Safety systems.  Syn-Aud-Con and NICET both offer a lot to substantiate your resume when accompanied by experience.  Syn-Aud-Con is taught by some of the best and most respected instructors in the industry under the leadership of Pat and Brenda Brown.  NICET does great for validating your technical knowledge.  It is not a test you walk into unprepared for and walk out with a certificate in your hand simply for attending.

In closing remember the importance of communicating your interest in additional training to your employer.  It is a diplomatic balance of stressing your interest without mistakenly conveying that you feel it is a responsibility of your employer.  Take advantage of anything you can do on your own without your employer’s assistance and never, ever miss opportunities to attend free events.  Lastly inform your employer of anything your doing to in regards to self improvement.  Discuss any books you may be reading or publications you have subscribed to.  If you attend any industry related events try to provide information on that event to your employer before and after attending.  You never know, your boss may be interested in sending additional employees or possibly attending him/herself after learning about the event from you.

by Jason Levert