InfoComm 2023 Panel - Ask the Experts Session - Employers Talent acquisition methods: What's working?
Bridging the Talent Gap: Harnessing Underestimated Talent for a Brighter AV Future
June 15, 2023 | AVIXA Xchange LIVE Booth 4461, InfoComm 2023, Orlando, Florida
InfoComm, the pinnacle event for the North American professional audiovisual industry, hosted in Orlando, Florida, has once again served as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and visionary strategies. This year, a prime focus of the conversation was talent acquisition, a burgeoning issue of concern for many businesses in the AV industry.
On June 15, InfoComm 2023 hosted an enlightening panel, "Ask the Experts Session - Employers Talent Acquisition Methods: What's Working?". This interactive session delved into the challenge of finding and acquiring skilled labor, providing actionable insights for businesses grappling with the talent gap.
The expert panel, representing diverse backgrounds from K-12, Community College, and Community Organizations, included respected professionals: Kristi Ross-Clausen, Professor of Stagecraft at Madison College, Wisconsin; Christopher Hope, Founder and Executive Director of The Loop Lab; Sean Glumace, COO of 2CPR Group, Inc., and the panel's moderator, Dave Hatz, VP of Technology at ZDI, Inc.
Christopher Hope of The Loop Lab shared insights on how to bridge the talent gap. "The youth we work with are not just underrepresented; they are underestimated in their talent. Our industry needs to actively harness this potential by offering meaningful training and placement opportunities”
Adding to the conversation, Kristi Ross-Clausen, Professor of Stagecraft at Madison College, Wisconsin, shed light on the value of attracting adults changing careers to the industry. She discussed how her college has been successful in training and placing students in the AV industry. Her experience underscored the importance of broadening our understanding of potential talent pools, encompassing not only young people starting their careers but also adults seeking new opportunities or a career change.
Her practical approach, proven by the success at Madison College, demonstrated how such a comprehensive view of talent acquisition can not only cater to the diverse needs of the workforce but also significantly contribute to the industry by tapping into the wealth of life experiences and unique perspectives that returning adults bring to the table.
One of the most notable parts of the discussion revolved around the concept of industry-school partnerships, which are instrumental in the creation of career-focused education pathways. The panel highlighted the successful implementation of the first-ever AVIXA-backed high school Audiovisual Career Pathway in the United States at Warren High School in Downey, CA. Robert Peterson, AV classroom instructor and Assistant Principle Russ Heicke at Warren High, John Harris, Director of College and Career Readiness at and his district team at Downey Unified, 2CPR Group, and Joseph Valerio from AVIXA, were the forces driving this pioneering initiative. Together, they developed a comprehensive curriculum, which importantly includes UC A-G AVIXA-based course outlines that are available to educators nationwide [PDF]. This showcase emphasized the immense potential of industry-school collaboration in providing students with relevant, hands-on education and clear career pathways.
The impact of this initiative is best seen in the success of AV instructor Robert Petersen's class at Warren High School, the launching point for the program. Over 50 students participated in two essentials classes, with more than 25 of them earning their AVIXA-Recognized AV Technologist Certificate and over 35 passing and receiving certification in the SynAudCon Course 50 – How Sound Systems Work. These outcomes underscore the practicality and effectiveness of this program and preparing high school students for careers in AV.
On how to bridge the talent gap, Sean Glumace from 2CPR Group offered a practical recommendation. When asked what individuals in the industry can do, Glumace suggested they get involved with their local schools as an industry advisory member. "Every district has to have them for their Career Technical Education department funding, and many schools don't know who to ask. It's a small time commitment, a hour or two each year, that can introduce the AV industry as a viable career pathway in the eyes of parents and educators who may not know about it," he explained.
The panelists emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to talent acquisition, drawing on the benefits of different groups and communities. Diversity was a recurring theme, with panelists noting that a more diverse industry is not only more inclusive but also more innovative and adaptable.
Furthermore, the session underscored the value of community partnerships. These relationships can act as bridges, connecting students and job seekers with industry professionals and opportunities. Collaborative efforts, such as those between educational institutions and industry partners, can be particularly impactful in paving the way for a vibrant and diverse AV workforce. The role of continuous learning and skill development was highlighted. As the AV industry continues to evolve and grow, so too must the skills and knowledge of its workforce. Ongoing training, certification programs, and learning opportunities are therefore essential to ensuring a dynamic and resilient AV workforce that can keep pace with the industry's rapid progress.
Angela Allison, CEO of 2CPR Group, echoed these sentiments after the panel. "The participation of industry in these conversations is crucial for progress. Our industry needs to foster equity and diversity to truly thrive. Connecting with the youth is paramount—they are not just the future of the audiovisual industry, but its present as well.”
AVIXA continues to lead the way in promoting growth and innovation in the audiovisual industry. With thought-provoking sessions such as this, the event ensures that attendees are well-equipped to navigate the industry's most pressing challenges and seize its most promising opportunities.
For more information about the panel and more visit:
Ask the Experts Session - Employers Talent acquisition methods: What's working?
Jun 15, 2023 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
AVIXA Xchange LIVE Booth 4461
One of the top business challenges employers continue to share is finding and acquiring talented labor. Additionally, as demand for AV work increases, companies struggle to have enough human capital to fill those jobs. In this interactive session, you'll learn about some proven methods for talent acquisition. Experts will help employers identify steps to build sustainable talent pathways in their own backyard and industry employers will share their proof of concept for effective talent recruitment. You’ll have the opportunity to ask our expert panel how they've created their own talent acquisition pathways, what the learnings were, and what advice they can give you.
Kristi Ross-Clausen, CTS, CQT, MA, Professor of Stagecraft - Madison College, Wisconsin
Christopher Hope, CTS, CTS, Foudner and Executive Director - The Loop Lab
Dave Hatz - Moderator - VP of Technology - ZDI, Inc.
For more information about the panel, visit the InfoComm 2023 site.
What is InfoComm?
InfoComm is the largest professional audiovisual trade show in North America, with thousands of products for audio, unified communications and collaboration, display, video, control, digital signage, home automation, security, VR, and live events.
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About Certification and Career Pathways Readiness Group (2CPR Group):
2CPR Group specializes in bridging the gap between education and industry, emphasizing business development facilitation. Our expertise spans career pathway project development, audit preparation for federal, state, and district programs, certification solution design, grant writing and execution, as well as CTE and academic professional development. Highly skilled in industry outreach, we organize field trips, industry advisory boards, site visits, tours, and more to further build connections between industry and education.
At 2CPR Group, we are committed to fostering mutually advantageous relationships that drive growth and success for both education and industry partners. If you are interested in our services, please contact us.