Attendees receive certification for group’s Level 2 training
By Andy Kriege, YSN
ProSource Academy, one of three educational programs offered by BrandSource’s A/V and integration affiliate, held a successful Level 2 training and certification course earlier this summer in South Lake, Texas.
Member installers attended two-and-a-half-days of in-person instruction to build upon their earlier Level 1 training, which focused on such basics as safety and etiquette.
The Level 2 sessions took technicians to an advanced tier, adding real-world skills and hands-on training in a safe learning environment, ProSource said. Coursework was organized around classroom learning and a workbench practice zone, along with practical assessments designed to send the technician back to their company armed with the necessary tools to begin the journey to lead technician.
The curriculum offered a variety of topics to provide installers with a well-rounded skill base. Courses included:
- Design documents
- TV mounting
- Rack building
- Structural integration
- Cable management
- Thermal and power management
ProSource Academy differs from other programs in that it not only certifies successful completion of the program, but also captures a holistic scorecard of performance for all participants in other critical areas like soft skills, demeanor and core values fit, ProSource said.
Technicians who completed the course returned to work and applied their skills while working with a mentor within their company to incorporate what they have learned into a real-life work environment. Participants can continue their training by taking additional classes within ProSource University, which includes subsequent visits to the Academy for more advanced continuing education.
“This training has been such a valuable tool for our new technicians,” said ProSource member Bryan Naquin, president and owner of Acadian Home Theater & Automation. “It gives us a real sense of their ability and how they will work in the field. This Level 2 training cements their basic understanding of being a good field tech. It is worth the investment, and I highly recommend this to all our colleagues.”
Jenyse White, office manager at Integrated Audio Video, echoed that sentiment. “The ProSource Academy has allowed our technicians to gain knowledge using their own hands while sharpening all of their skills,” she said. “It helped one of our junior techs so much to understand the next level of integrating equipment and wiring.”
Installers were required to complete requisite courses in ProSource University before attending ProSource Academy Level 2. Enrollment in ProSource Academy is valued at $1,249 per person but is offered at no extra charge as a membership benefit.
ProSource is a cooperative, member-governed, not-for-profit tech group representing 600-plus custom integrators and specialty retailers. With annual sales of more than $6 billion, ProSource is the largest specialty A/V and consumer electronics merchandising group in the country, which allows it to negotiate stronger programs with manufacturers, help independent dealers stay relevant to consumers, and keep the specialty A/V channel competitive.
For more information about ProSource Academy or ProSource, contact Sherry Dantonio at (562) 810-1706 or firstname.lastname@example.org.