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Training
LET’S LEARN TOGETHER!
As we step forward towards 2025, the need for evolution and upskilling in the smart home and luxury AV markets has never been more apparent. With new technologies and smarter, more efficient ways to integrate them emerging at a rapid pace, it’s critical for professional installers to continually expand their knowledge base. Our industry moves fast, and staying on top of these advancements can make all the difference in remaining competitive, relevant, and a go-to source for clients seeking the latest and greatest in-home technology.
The smart home landscape is shifting to include necessity as well as luxury as more consumers demand seamless, automated experiences. Today’s homeowners are increasingly tech-savvy and expect intuitive systems that offer ease of use, security, and energy savings, all of which demand the highest levels of expertise and ongoing training. This creates a need for installers to not only understand current systems but to predict and adapt to future trends that may impact the market, from AI-driven automation to evolving interoperability standards and eco-friendly solutions. The best businesses in our field are those that anticipate these changes and integrate them into their offerings ahead of the curve.
The purpose of this supplement is to provide some insight into a few of the opportunities. The insights within this training supplement are crafted to help you remain an industry leader.
But beyond the technology, ongoing training signifies a commitment to quality and a desire to elevate industry standards. By investing time into these areas, you’re not only bolstering your own skills but also contributing to the reputation of the entire AV and smart home profession. Clients are quick to recognise businesses that prioritise innovation and expertise, and they’re more likely to trust those who take the time to stay informed and proficient.
It is of course not always easy to find the time, but if installers make time to master these skills, understand the new products, and think critically about how to adapt to the trends shaping our industry, it’s a strong foot-forward for the next 12 months and beyond. So, here’s to staying ahead, staying relevant, and setting the standard for excellence well into the future.
WHERE WILL TAKE YOU?
SET YOUR TEAM UP FOR SUCCESS WITH CEDIA
Education remains at the forefront of CEDIA’s work. Quite simply, education has such a huge power to be a valuable and transformative asset to CEDIA members.
When the association surveyed business owners for the CEDIA’s Smart Home Recruitment and Salary Survey in 2023, only 30% listed personal professional development as a company benefit that they offer.
Now, with updates to its learning management system (LMS) and membership structure, CEDIA believes that it has created a pathway for business owners to refocus on staff development and manage the process in a more timely and financially efficient way.
NEW LMS UPDATE
CEDIA has recently updated its LMS, and as well as it being an easier system to navigate, it now features a new ‘professional development plan’ tool, which allows business owners – or individuals – to design, monitor, and track their training progress.
With this new feature, the person responsible for managing the training programme will get access to a portal that will
list all relevant staff members as learners. They then have the capability of assigning each staff member on the necessary training courses, setting deadlines for it to be completed by, tracking their progress, and having an overview of their full education journey once they’ve sat multiple courses.
This allows business owners the opportunity to not just shell out money for education, but to truly invest in their staff by making sure they are assigned to the right courses and to track it in a measurable way. CEDIA’s education programme is multifaceted, providing training in a number of ways. Here is a rundown of what is on offer.
• Learn online
CEDIA provides its global membership with access to hundreds of hours of self-paced education via the online learning portal. Its investment in CEDIA’s online education has been and will continue to be substantial. This will ensure that no matter where our members
are located, they have direct access to the same comprehensive training courses and hundreds of hours of educational content. The online education features the newly launched Residential Networking Specialist certification and the self-paced element of the Design Build Program.
• In-Person
Training
CEDIA hosts face-to-face training at it’s HQ in St Neots throughout the year. With Subject Matter Experts running courses such as Smart Home Technician Essential Skills, Home Cinema Design, Lighting Design, and Project Management, there is a course for everyone.
The remaining in-person training dates for this year are as follows:
• KNX Basic Course – 18th – 20th November
• Networking Specialist School – 26th –28th November
• Designing Ethernet and Wireless Networks – 29th November
• Tech + Business Summits
The CEDIA Tech + Business Summits provide an opportunity for professionals to access a range of dynamic, business-centric education. A line-up of insightful business seminars is curated and presented by a selection of hosts. This year, Leslie Shiner from The Shiner Group hosted sessions on “Better Job Costing and Labour Controls to Increase Profits” and “Growing Your Business Without Growing Out of Business,” while Hazel Napier from BEB Consultancy held an interactive session on “Late Payments, Paperwork and Problems.
• Free Seminars
At ISE, CEDIA runs The Smart Home Technology Stage, which is a dynamic platform featuring an extensive array of free sessions, providing attendees with a wealth of invaluable insights, stimulating discussions, and unparalleled learning and networking opportunities. With a diverse range of topics on the docket, spanning technology, design, business strategies, human interactions, and the future landscape of smart homes, this annual event is a treasure trove of knowledge.
CEDIA MEMBERSHIP
CEDIA recently announced a new tiered membership structure that sees some education courses incorporated into the cost of membership.
• CEDIA Starter Member:
• (Single-user: £149; Multi-user: £229)
This membership provides free-of-charge access to the Introduction to the Industry course and CEDIA Cabling & Infrastructure (CIT) training online.
• CEDIA Professional Member: (£429)
Professional members will gain complementary access to CIT training and the Introduction to the Industry course – a combined £900 value.
• CEDIA Premium Membership: (£749) Members receive free, unlimited access to CEDIA’s extensive online educational content.
With this in mind, it’s never been a better time for business owners to put education at the forefront of their mind and set their team up for success.
CEDIA cedia.org
TRAINING TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD
As a manufacturer, we have a responsibility to design training that both supports technical product integration and enhances the professional standards for the home technology industry. We also recognise that the training support we provide needs to evolve to support new product innovations, working practices and the requirements of our customers.
Our team of EMEA Sales Engineers already provide very successful 1-2-1 short burst product training for Snap One Partners, having completed 579 2-hour sessions in 2023, and with more than 400 already delivered in the first half of 2024.
In listening to feedback, it was clear that our Partners wanted more in-depth specific training on key products and categories to help them grow their business. They also wanted these sessions to be delivered face-to-face in a one-day format. In response, we have launched a new In-Person Category Training programme for 2024 which combines both theory and practical hand-on training.
Held at regional training centres across the UK and Ireland, this free-to-attend training programme for the rest of 2024 covers: Networking Best Practices and Seamless Surveillance.
In Networking Best Practices, we cover networking principles when working with Control4, exploring how Snap One products can be used to deploy fast, reliable networks. The course covers Networking Principles, identifying the impact of a robust networking topology, the application of common best practices and explains why Multigig technologies are important and when to use VLAN. Other topics featured in the training include Router Review and Configuration; Managed Switch Introduction and VLANs; Working with inSSIDer and 3rd party WiFI tools; Applying WiFi best practice in OvrC and a Re-Introduction and Recap on Araknis Networking Technologies and Ranges.
Seamless Surveillance provides important insights for integrators looking to expand their offering in home security systems and improve
surveillance installation and commissioning time through Luma X20 and OvrC. The inperson training includes focused product training on the key surveillance innovations from the Snap One brand, Luma, and the importance of NDAA Compliance. It also explores how integrators can optimise surveillance installation times, utilising LUMA and OvrC and the different ways surveillance technology can be deployed in a variety of enduser applications.
Delivered by the Snap One EMEA Sales Engineering team, these category training sessions launched in June with courses taking place in locations across Cheshire, Dorset, London, Reading, Glasgow, and more! The training for the remainder of 2024 will take place four different locations across the UK. An online space has also been introduced to complement these in-person trainings and allow delegates to view schedules, course agendas and book their place. Click here to access all the needed information.
We are committed to our partner base and supporting them in their ability to grow and develop their businesses. This new initiative for 2024 builds on our track record as a CEDIA award-winning training provider. It takes product training to our Partners across the UK and Ireland with valuable in-person courses that teach both theory and guided practical skills.
In-Person Category Training is designed to equip Partners with the important skills they need to work successfully with new products and technologies that can help them grow their business, expand into new areas and be more successful. So, book your spot now to take your business to the next level.
SOLUTIONS TO TODAY’S TRAINING REALITIES
David Pedigo, Chief Operations Officer, Trinnov Audio, examines how we learn and how best to leverage that knowledge.
It’s hard to believe that it was 30 years ago that I graduated with a degree in social science and secondary education. I spent the first five years teaching at-risk youth and the rest training or running training programs in the AV world. In that time, it’s easy to see how much technology has changed, significantly impacting the way we access learning. This accessibility doesn’t necessarily change how we learn.
Everyone, no matter the experience or intelligence level, has a preferred learning style. The understanding of how people learn and their preferred style is evolving, but the commonly accepted approach these days is VARK (Visual, Aural, Read/Write, Kinesthetic).
Within this framework for learners is a breakdown of the percentage of learners who have a preferred single learning style (34% of the population) vs multimodal learning styles (66% of the population. Multimodal learning styles are bimodal, trimodal and fourpart preferences.
While this is interesting, at least to me, the question is why does it matter? It matters in several ways. First off, it is important for anyone developing training to know that we all learn differently (despite advances in technology). Secondly, the majority of people learn from a multimodal approach.
Thus, any class written or taught, be it by a professional instructor, or a boss teaching their newbies, should be multimodal. This will significantly improve the likelihood of understanding and retention.
Assuming the above is correct, the next step is developing training solutions that work for both dealers and manufacturers alike.
The challenge to dealers training their employees is manyfold. First, and most importantly, is the opportunity cost of having an employee in class instead of working billable hours. Secondly, there is so much to learn, whether it is technical in nature, soft skills, business or project management. There
is no doubt that technical subjects are the most difficult to keep up with due to the rapid state of change in our industry, but all subjects are massively important to a thriving business. Thirdly, the cost of training is a barrier to many. Whether the class is one where the instructor uses the revenue to make a living, or it’s just the cost of travel and lodging. The net profit for many integrators is just a few percentage points and paying out-of-pocket expenses to train employees who may, or may not, stay long-term is hard to justify.
This is why training at trade shows is such a big deal. Dealers and manufacturers can pack a year’s worth of training in a few days. The opportunity cost of staff not working billable hours is limited, there is a wide variety of subjects taught, and the ability to save on training (i.e. CEDIA training pass, manufacturer’s product training) is desirable.
The same is true for many manufacturers in our industry. While many have amazing products, they, too, are working on limited budgets and surprisingly small net profits. Many companies do not have the budget for a fulltime educator, so they use their sales staff to teach at events. While this approach (teaching only at events) is effective, it has limited longterm effectiveness due to retention rates. The generally accepted retention rate is somewhere between 5-15% per hour depending on the quality of the instructor and the ability and interest of the student.
So, what is the right approach? First off, in order for any of us to be successful, we need to be lifelong learners. This means we must accept that learning is a continual process, not one that starts at 8:00 am and goes for an hour and poof, you’re trained. The process of learning must be ongoing. For business owners, one good trick is to have the employee who took the class, teach a condensed 5–10-minute version of what they learned, to you or their coworkers. This is a type of reinforcement that utilises chunking, where you store the same information in different parts of your brain. This is because hearing what you learned vs. verbalising that topic to someone or a group of people requires different brain mechanics.
Another option for business owners is having mandatory outside training hours per month. Somewhere around 2-4 hours per month should be sufficient and not too taxing on business hours. This requires help from the manufacturers, which I’ll cover next. Finally, I have heard, but cannot verify, that it is common in the commercial world to include a 1% markup on their projects which goes to a training fund. This can be used to offset costs for paid training of your employees. And, for those business owners reading this, I strongly recommend taking a minimum of one to two business classes (accounting, finance, marketing, advertising etc.,) for every technical class taken. Being the most proficient at technology doesn’t help if you go out of business.
THE RIGHT STRUCTURE
For manufacturers, there are a few things that can help. First off, start training more regularly but in smaller intervals. As an example, Trinnov Level One High End certification is an eight-hour course, which is often taught online. To make it easier to attend, most students chose the option of taking the class over (4) two-hour sessions.
The are a variety of class options available and the times are varied to accommodate different time zones across the globe. By breaking up the sessions, retention rates increase and the overall impact on the business is reduced as they’re often around lunchtime or early evening. The occasional weekend class is also offered, and, while inconvenient for the instructor, it allow those who cannot fit training into their workweek.
The next thing is to try and hit different learning styles. Webinar style is almost exclusively aural. By adding solid visuals, including activities, and constantly asking prompting and probing questions, you can increase attention rates while also gauging understanding, even if they’re thousands of miles away. Finally, manufacturers need to make sure that when they are teaching a subject, they explain why the topic is relevant to the student and do their best to tie back to past experiences (also a type of chunking). Finally, include as many activities as practicable, including giving them homework. As an example, if you’re teaching a cinema design class, have the students design a cinema in their house using the design principles just taught. If this is at the end of the course, give them individualised feedback. If it’s a segment of the course, have the students present their design to the class. By doing this, you’ve personalised the course, reinforced the topic and almost always increased their enthusiasm about the course. These types of activities significantly increase retention rates.
It is ultimately up to manufacturers, distributors, associations, buying groups and dealers to increase accessibility to training. It is, then, up to the course writer and/or instructor to deliver the training in a meaningful way, which hits on multiple learning styles to ensure that those getting trained are learning, and remembering the concepts taught. If this is done effectively, we are guaranteed to have a better-trained and qualified workforce, which we all know is desperately needed.
EXPANDING HORIZONS: ELEVATE YOUR BUILDING CONTROL EXPERTISE WITH KNX
In the dynamic world of building automation, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. As a system integrator, the tools and technologies you choose define not only the quality of your offerings but also your capability to meet diverse client needs. KNX, a globally recognised standard for building automation, presents a compelling opportunity to expand your skill set and elevate your business. Here’s why integrating KNX into your portfolio is a game-changer.
KNX stands out for its unparalleled interoperability. As an open standard, KNX ensures seamless integration of devices from different manufacturers. This eliminates the usual headaches associated with compatibility issues, enabling you to offer flexible and scalable solutions tailored to each project.
SOLUTION SCALABILITY
Whether your company focuses on single dwelling residential projects, large scale commercial complexes, or you sit somewhere in the middle, KNX has you covered. By utilising a scalable infrastructure KNX can be tailored to suit any scale, ensuring that a costeffective system is provided on every occasion. This scalability translates into the versatility of your service offerings with every system benefiting from the same robust technology regardless of the project size.
PRIORITISING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
In today’s environmentally conscious world, energy efficiency is a top priority. KNX provides precise control over lighting, blinds, HVAC and other critical systems optimising energy consumption without compromising comfort. As a system integrator, your expertise in KNX can help your clients achieve energy and operational savings while enhancing the comfort of each room, zone or building.
FLEXIBLE INSTALLATION
KNX’s ability to operate across various communication media including wired, RF and IP offers unmatched flexibility. This adaptability means you can confidently approach both new construction projects and retrofits, ensuring that KNX solutions can be seamlessly integrated into any environment.
COMPREHENSIVE FUNCTIONALITY
With KNX, you can offer your clients a holistic control platform for all building functions, resulting in your clients benefiting from a cohesive system that addresses all their automation needs in one streamlined platform and also your company being able to maximise your project package.
ENHANCING YOUR PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY
Becoming proficient in KNX opens doors to numerous accreditation opportunities. This not only enhances your technical skills but also boosts your credibility as a trusted expert in building automation. As a certified KNX partner, you join a global network of professionals gaining access to cutting-edge resources and support. Additional company exposure is also available specifically in the UK via membership with the KNX UK community.
STAYING FUTURE-PROOF
The building automation landscape is constantly evolving. KNX, as a future-proof technology, evolves with it, incorporating the latest advancements and ensuring compatibility with emerging trends. By integrating KNX into your skill set, you position yourself to offer solutions that are not only relevant today but also adaptable to future innovations. This future-proofing ensures long-term value for your clients and sustained growth for your business.
CATERING TO MARKET DEMAND
The demand for smart buildings and intelligent control systems is on the rise. Clients are increasingly seeking advanced, efficient and scalable automation solutions. By utilising KNX you tap into this growing market, offering cutting-edge solutions that meet and exceed client expectations.
Interested in seeing how KNX can unlock new possibilities for your business? My KNX Store is here to help. For over 10 years My KNX Store has been a market leader in KNX distribution, training and support. With a vast product portfolio, various specialist services, and an in-house academy (that offers a costneutral training programming), My KNX Store can support both every stage of your skill development and all your project requirements.
My KNX Store, myknxstore.co.uk
Specialists in KNX Control Solutions
Distribution | Training | Support
Founded in 2012, My KNX Store is a market leader in specialist distribution, training and support of KNX control solutions throughout the UK.
KNX is a global leader in the home/building control market offering personalised and holistic solutions of all building functions across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
FREE* KNX Training Programme
Are you looking to take your first steps in the building control sector or expand the control solutions you offer in your projects?
From initial taster sessions to advanced certification our training programme provides our clients with the best knowledge base to design, install and maintain cost-effective and tailored KNX solutions.
Course options:
Taster Basic Certification Refresher HVAC Advanced Certification * See website for T&Cs
Speak to a member of the My KNX team to see how we can help your projects
CREATING THE FUTURE VIA CAREER CRAFTERS
Vincent McAtamney, AV consultant, industry veteran and Founder of Essex AV, takes on role in government backed training for the CI sector which represents an important first for the industry.
In late 2022 the government launched an exciting new apprenticeship course, one a long time in the making. The Audio-Visual Technician Tier 5 Apprenticeship is now in motion. Working with training providers Career Crafters based in Essex, Vincent McAtamney has embraced the role of AV Tutor and is navigating apprentices through this comprehensive two-year course which leads to an independently assessed academic qualification amongst the first of its kind and represents a significant milestone for the AV industry.
Who is this course for?
• Apprentices in AV Support, Event, Lighting and Pro Audio
• AV Companies with Trainee Apprentices
• Organisations with expanding AV departments
What is the academic qualification?
• The Tier 5 Apprenticeship is an equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND)
• AV Tutorship typically runs for 18/20 months to bring student to gateway assessment
• Final assessment is scenario and portfolio based and conducted by an independently approved academic board
• Course duration is 24 months
What topics does it include?
Vince explains, “This is a fully comprehensive course teaching a wide span of topics particularly AV distribution, video control, lighting and equipment operation and maintenance. It is beneficial to all AV sectors leaning mostly toward those working in corporate and commercial. The syllabus is divided into monthly teaching modules which teach Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s) via workshops, at-work training and personal research. This prepares each student for final assessment conducted by an approved academic board.”
A full list of skills and further detail regarding government funding can be found at https:// findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships. education.gov.uk/courses/684
Skilled Delivered By The Course Include
• Operate a video camera and vision mixer
• Integrate a projector and/or display as part of an audio-visual presentation
• Audio mixing; loudness, timbre, spatialisation, and channel management
• Apply and problem solve video signal flow for live production
• Operate and program lighting control software/hardware
• Root cause analysis & problem solving
• Collate, compare, and synthesise information from various sources
• Work collaboratively; Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders (such as performers, public speakers, presenters, clients and event organisers)
• Communicate technical concepts with clarity in person and in writing to end users of all skill levels and seniority
• Install, test, and commission relevant hardware
• Configure and manage remote participation systems
• Edit audio and video content
• Prepare, maintain, and manipulate audio and video assets through post-production
• Create digital assets for video workflows
• Manual camera operating for a range of contemporary S35mm digital cameras
• Audio capture
• Deliver virtual event technical operations
• Clearly advise and guide event participants
• Devise a learning program intended to cover a particular device/system
• Identify personal training and professional development needs via research and investigation
• Organise appropriate personal professional development activities to develop and enhance own role and skills
• Use collaborative online environments to schedule and update projects and tasks
• Complete risk assessment documentation
• Accurately assesses level of risk to health and safety of themselves and others
• Test and maintain audio-visual equipment, cables, and connectors: substitute items where necessary
What are the benefits of the course?
Vince explains, “For employers they nurture well qualified, extensively trained competent staff less likely to leave and more likely to develop their own career within the organisation. For apprentices, this qualification is not easily acquired. The continuous development akin to around 24 hours per month within work training rewards them with academic recognition
comparable to their peers in other industries such as finance, digital marketing, development etc. setting them up well for a lasting career in AV.
“And of course end users both commercial and residential benefit from trained, competent knowledgeable staff who truly have chosen AV as a qualified, trained career vocation, it’s good for the industry as a whole!”
How do AV manufacturers, distributors and organisations get involved?
Vince explains, “Each month we host Workshops which train the KSB’s outlined in the course syllabus, typically a three hour workshop uses training aids including videos, discussion, challenges and questionnaires. I am seeking opportunities to align with trade showrooms willing to open their doors to welcome our next generation enabling more hands on tactile product sessions. “Whitepapers, industry training aids and content all may find themselves into the course workshops. If you wish to explore ways your organisation may assist please make contact with myself or Ziggy Pindoria via Career Crafters. Of course, trade bodies CEDIA and AVIXA are already doing much to promote this and wider academic training. Within the industry whether apprentice or seasoned pro, it does well to support trade based training and personal development, let’s all ‘raise the bar’!”
“We have already been encouraged by the response from the wider AV industry. Reflecting on my own career along with many others sporting a decade or two under their belts, we have to wonder how might ‘our careers’ have evolved with such a recognised academic qualification early in our journey? This apprenticeship training no doubt paths the way for a more refined, reformed and highly qualified AV workplace.”
For logistics, finance and information about Career Crafters contact Ziggy Pindoria via: careercrafters.co.uk
Those interested in getting involved or understanding more about the AV skills taught, contact Vincent McAtamney at vince. mcatamney@careercrafters.uk
Progress has been made towards more bespoke training programs
EMBRACING THE EVOLUTION OF TRAINING IN THE AV INDUSTRY
Eric Martin, Director of Training, Just
Add
Power,
assesses the progress made in training provision.
Organising training events for integrators is no small feat, especially for those who are new to the industry. Behind every successful training session lies a carefully planned effort to equip installers with the skills necessary to excel in their fields. In recent years, training within the AV industry has undergone significant transformation. As a company creating and curating industry-leading training programs, we at Just Add Power have observed firsthand how these changes have opened new avenues for skill development and knowledge sharing. The journey from pre-pandemic norms through the height of online learning to the current flexible models reflects a dynamic response to evolving needs and preferences.
THE EVOLUTION OF TRAINING MODALITIES
The shift towards a flexible training model is one of the most notable trends we’ve witnessed. This approach aims to meet learners wherever they are, catering to diverse preferences and circumstances. Whether it’s through in-person sessions, online modules with access to a
trainer for questions, or a blend of both, the focus has been on making training accessible and effective for everyone. Offering training at regional locations has made hands-on training more accessible and allowing learners to choose self-directed learning through videos or online modules ensures that they use the format that best suits their learning style.
THE RESURGENCE OF IN-PERSON TRAINING
Despite the convenience and reach of online training platforms, there’s been a noticeable resurgence in the demand for in-person training sessions. This comeback underscores the value of hands-on experience led by an experienced trainer, which is often crucial in learning to troubleshoot and fully understand the practical aspects of AV systems, especially for new installers. In-person training provides an irreplaceable opportunity for learners to interact directly with the technology, enabling them to gain insights that are difficult to replicate through digital platforms.
ADDRESSING INDUSTRY SKILL GAPS
Networking skills have emerged as a critical area of learning for installers who want to take advantage of the most advanced signal distribution technology. While some manufacturers have made great advances in simplifying the configuration of network-based AV systems for installers, there remains a need for a deeper understanding of installs that must integrate with the end users’ other systems and those products from manufacturers who haven’t made configuration simple. This also highlights the ongoing need for targeted training that equips professionals with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of modern AV systems seamlessly so that they can choose the best product for each installation.
STRATEGIES FOR TRAINING NEW ENTRANTS
Attracting and training new entrants to the AV industry requires a multifaceted approach. In my experience, creating programs for the K-12 level as well as higher learning institutions has sparked interest in network technologies and related fields among students. Furthermore, creating meaningful programs that connect with industry organisations such as CEDIA – for whom Just Add Power has hosted on-site training – can engage integrators of any skill level. These partnerships can provide a foundational
understanding and enthusiasm for the industry, which we can build upon with more specialised training. It’s also crucial to recognise the diverse backgrounds of individuals entering the field, many of whom bring valuable experience from related sectors. This diversity necessitates training programs that are adaptable and responsive to varied levels of prior knowledge.
POWERING THE FUTURE AV EXPERTS
The importance of training in the AV industry cannot be overstated. As we continue to
navigate the technological advancements and shifting demands of our field, the role of comprehensive, accessible and flexible training programs becomes increasingly critical. By embracing the evolution of training modalities, addressing skill gaps with targeted efforts, and fostering the growth of new entrants, we can ensure continued excellence and innovation within the AV industry. The journey of learning and adaptation is ongoing and by acknowledging and responding to these changes, we set the stage for a future where everyone involved is better equipped, more knowledgeable and profoundly more capable.
A mixed training landscape has emerged in recent years
THE EVOLUTION OF INDUSTRY TRAINING
Jason Knott, Data Solutions Architect and Evangelist for D-Tools, argues that UK intelligent home installation companies have five unique training methods to help stay ahead of the competition.
In the rapidly advancing landscape of intelligent home installation, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for UK-based integrators. With technological advancements in home automation, audio, video, lighting, control systems, motorised shades, home networks, and security/surveillance, continuous training is indispensable for companies aiming to provide cutting-edge solutions.
In the UK, intelligent home installation companies are presented with a variety of training options to keep their teams abreast of the latest developments. Here are five common options:
Bespoke private training: For those seeking personalised, hands-on experiences tailored to their specific needs, bespoke private training sessions offer an unparalleled advantage. Manufacturers often provide on-site training at the facilities of integration companies, allowing teams to familiarise themselves with the intricacies of new products within their own environment. This option is ideal for companies with unique requirements and larger teams, ensuring that the entire workforce is on the same page. Similarly, manufacturers that have dedicated training facilities and demo rooms will host integrators. These highly valuable on-location events can also include face-toface time with the engineers developing the products, as well as factory tours to see how the products are made.
Scheduled group training: Local distributors play a pivotal training role in providing scheduled group sessions. These
sessions bring together professionals from various integration companies to collectively learn. This interactive and collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing among industry peers. It is particularly beneficial for mid-sized companies looking for a costeffective yet comprehensive training solution.
On-Site multi-Day training at events: Regional or national events, such as the EI Live!, often feature on-site multi-day or single-day training sessions conducted by equipment manufacturers in private rooms and on their stands on the exhibit floor. These events create an immersive learning experience, allowing professionals to gain in-depth insights into multiple products over an extended period. While larger companies with the resources to spare may find these events beneficial, they might not be practical for smaller companies due to potential disruptions to day-to-day operations.
Remote web-based webinar trainings: In the digital age, remote web-based webinars have become a popular choice for companies of all sizes. Scheduled or recorded for playback at the convenience of the participants, these webinars offer flexibility and accessibility. Smaller integration companies, in particular, can benefit from this option as it allows employees to receive training without significant disruptions to their daily workflow. For example, D-Tools hosts regular webinars for general training for its System Integrator (SI) and its D-Tools Cloud software solutions.
Remote video training: For ultimate flexibility, remote video training viewed at one’s convenience provides a self-paced learning experience. Companies with limited manpower, such as smaller integration firms, can maximise their training efforts without compromising their productivity. This option is suitable for professionals who prefer to learn at their own pace and revisit materials as needed. D-Tools has dozens of training videos on its website and its YouTube channel.
Choosing the right training option depends on the unique needs and capacities of each integration company. Larger firms may find on-site and group training more suitable for their expansive teams, while smaller companies might lean towards remote options to maintain operational efficiency. The key is to strike a balance between staying updated on the latest technological advancements and ensuring minimal disruption to daily business operations.
Whether through bespoke private sessions, scheduled group training, on-site events, remote webinars, or video training, UK integrators have the tools to stay ahead in this dynamic industry. By carefully considering the manpower and specific requirements of their teams, companies can strategically choose the training methods that best align with their goals, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation in the ever-evolving world of smart home integration.
