How can we strengthen the AV industry through collaboration, diversity and innovation?
The AV industry is calling out for greater collaboration on issues such as skills shortages and standards. How can we work better together to drive investment, employment and standardisation in our industry?
Brian Sanchez, Business Manager, Cordless Resourcing comments:
The AV industry is facing key challenges, particularly around skills shortages, diversity, and standardisation. To drive investment, expand employment opportunities, and foster long-term growth, it is crucial that we work together to address these issues in a collaborative way.
One of the most pressing issues is diversity. The industry needs to encourage more women, young people, and individuals from a range of backgrounds to enter the AV field. To achieve this, we need a grassroots approach that promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects from an early age. Schools should offer more hands-on opportunities, such as allowing students to assist with AV setups for school events or organising visits to AV equipment manufacturers. These early experiences can help spark interest and guide students towards careers in AV.
In recruitment, it’s important to recognise transferable skills and the potential for cross-skilling. Many people from industries like construction, IT, or event management have valuable skills that can easily transition into the AV sector. By offering training and upskilling opportunities, companies can tap into a broader talent pool. Allocating time and resources for employees to stay informed on industry trends and research new technologies is essential to support their ongoing development.
The University of Greenwich has recently introduced an apprenticeship scheme for AV technicians, providing a pathway for individuals to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field. While this is a relatively new initiative, it highlights the importance of creating opportunities that allow people to get on the career ladder with real-world experience. Such programmes could help lay the foundation for future AV talent, though it’s still early days to evaluate the full impact.
Beyond recruitment, a supportive workplace culture is key to fostering growth and development within the AV sector. Businesses should offer mentorship opportunities and create flexible workspaces that allow employees to collaborate and work in the most effective environment for different tasks. A well-designed workplace can promote creativity, improve productivity, and help employees feel more engaged in their work.
Another critical aspect of the AV industry’s future is understanding and embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI continues to play a larger role in shaping AV technologies—from smart building systems to automation and data analytics—it’s essential for the workforce to stay up to date with these developments. AI can offer significant improvements in system efficiency, user experience, and overall innovation. As an industry, we need to ensure our teams have the skills and knowledge to integrate AI into their workflows and remain competitive.
Leadership within the AV industry should focus on empowering employees to lead from the front. Giving people the freedom to work on projects that align with their passions, whether in sustainability, social impact, or technological innovation, can foster a sense of purpose and long-term commitment to the field.
In conclusion, addressing the skills gap, promoting diversity, and embracing technological advancements like AI will be essential for the future of the AV industry. By creating pathways for education, cross-skilling, and fostering inclusive, supportive workplaces, we can build a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead.
To find out more about Cordless Resourcing, visit: https://cordlessresourcing.co.uk/
Photo by Branko Stancevic on Unsplash