The custom integration (CI) industry is at a crossroads. The combined impact of technological advances, lower prices and greater public acceptance of digital tools have created enormous opportunities for integrators of all sizes and strengths, however the ever-prevalent talent shortage has made it so seizing those project opportunities has been a challenge.

The reality today is that many custom integration businesses are struggling to recruit new talent that possesses the knowledge and experience required to successfully integrate and install complex systems. For the industry to grow and succeed in transforming how people interact with buildings and utilize technology systems, new training funnels are needed to turn the tide of this crippling talent shortage.

School’s Out, But Not Forever

Even though advanced smart systems have become a central component of many homes and businesses, “custom integration” is still an unfamiliar phrase to the average home or business owner. It’s also largely alien to young talent actively deciding their education and career paths.

The reasons are fairly simple: colleges and trade schools generally don’t offer programs dedicated to systems integration, and there is no union or organization that establishes apprenticeship pipelines. In contrast to other trades that train capable pros from scratch, most CI workers get their start in related fields where they develop transferable skills such as low voltage wiring, programming, network design, security system design and construction techniques. This educational lapse often forces firms to scrounge other industries or even poach workers from CI competitors to ensure they have relevant experience and skill sets.

This isn’t an apocalypse for custom integration, but simply a bump in the road. In fact, there is increasing awareness and interest among manufacturers and industry trade groups to address this aspect of the talent shortage, with some actively developing more accessible training programs and even working with existing integrators to launch paid apprenticeships.

What Happens When Crime Prevention Meets AI (And Why We Can’t Rely on AI Alone)

In an era where crime continues to evolve, relying solely on AI-based solutions proves insufficient in preventing sophisticated threats and false alarms. The webinar will emphasize the paramount importance of human judgment and intuition in tandem with AI technology to create a truly complete security solution. Our session will explore how Deep Sentinel’s revolutionary approach combines the best of both worlds—advanced artificial intelligence and the presence of highly trained human guards. Together, these elements create an unparalleled level of protection for residential and commercial properties alike. Join our panel of esteemed lighting experts that will dive into why it’s time for integrators to rethink their role in the outdoor lighting industry. Register Now! 

Hands-On Tasks Require Hands-On Training

In disciplines such as programming, online learning has made education more available and more affordable, allowing eager students to integrate learning into their existing schedules and budgets. Some CI skills and concepts can be introduced online, and many of the business-focused aspects can surely be learned via computer courses. Technical installation skills, however, simply cannot be learned without hands-on experience.

Just as we wouldn’t expect someone to be a competent pilot without ever stepping foot in a cockpit, there is no functional way for an eager CI worker to become a valuable asset without real world experience and a strong foundation of information and skills. Something as simple as knowing which tool to use for each task can be explained online through videos or diagrams, but without physically performing the task, learners cannot gain proficiency and will likely forget procedures. Similarly, a video showing how to properly strip wires or explaining the inputs and outputs on a piece of rack equipment can deliver knowledge, but not the skills to apply that knowledge effectively.

Leading CI hardware companies have taken note of this, and some are pursuing at-home, hands-on training programs that use online courses to guide learners through building a real physical smart wall in their own home. At the same time, manufacturers have begun exploring how to partner with integration firms to develop apprenticeship programs, with some considering direct payments or discounts to firms that fully train new workers. Others are working directly with trade schools and technical schools to implement CI-focused courses and programs, so we may see movement in the traditional education system over the next several years as well.

People Want to Do The Work

In an era where the idea of work can seem fluid and ever-changing, a lot of workers are hungry for meaningful jobs that deliver real immediate benefits and provide reliable job satisfaction. It can be easy to think the CI industry’s talent shortage is because people aren’t interested. Instead, it’s because the training and education needed to become a professional is largely inaccessible. Firms may not have the resources to expend on months or years of training new employees, and as most CI pros know, inexperienced hands can actually make projects more difficult and slow down progress.

As custom integration solutions continue to introduce ever-greater capabilities at more affordable price points, the number and value of installations could skyrocket, but only if there is a steady pipeline of trained professionals to effectively meet the demand.

Any CI owner or manager who desires growth, wants a competitive advantage or agrees their business could benefit from external training options or apprenticeships should contact their vendor partners to discuss the education initiatives that are available or being developed, and how they can become involved in developing their workforce of tomorrow. 

Rus Rasmussen is the Senior Director of Worldwide Education at Snap One.

• Page 1