Stop, Look and Listen

Supercool jobs in AV Tech

Audiovisual technology might be the fastest-growing, most dynamic industry on the planet. Estimates put the global market for AV products and services at $75 billion with the North American market alone exceeding $25 billion per year. Nationwide job growth for AV equipment technicians is projected at nearly 25 percent through 2016.

After studying those numbers, DCTC decided to launch a new Audio Visual Installation Technology program in fall semester 2009. Graduates of the program will be equipped with broad skill sets and abilities, including computer networking, audio/video, HVAC, home security, appliances and structural wiring in contrast with service specialists, who have training in only one particular area.

Working with top-end equipment, AVIT technicians are at the heart of some amazing commercial projects. One example is the world’s largest projected image displayed at Quebec City’s 400th Anniversary. Two years in the making, the image—nearly a half-mile long—was composed of more than 40 million pixels and used 27 $120,000 Christie Roadster S+20K projectors.

Another cool project is the Victory Media Network in Victory Park, a classy urban district in Dallas, Texas. The project features 11 large-format outdoor video displays, true-impact audio and powerful lighting effects to bring digital-age art, sponsor messaging and community news to visitors and commuters in a purely immersive, HD environment.

AVIT techs go everywhere people gather and need information. Both the public and private sectors demand the best when it comes to the personnel and equipment needed to deliver an ultramodern audiovisual communications experience.

AV design and installation companies provide services to clients in markets across the board:

AV design and installation solutions are typically delivered in two ways:

Fixed installations that include:

The audiovisual industry is flourishing worldwide. One key indicator is the flow of new technology. InfoComm International reported that in February 2009 alone nearly 350 new products were introduced. Another decisive factor in the industry’s phenomenal growth is the integration of AV and IT technology, which is a focus area of the DCTC program’s curriculum.

Seeing and Hearing Are Believing

The Audio Visual Technology Installation program brings together previously separate audiovisual technologies and systems in home and commercial settings, including integrated controls, computer/home networks, communications, lighting and energy management, entertainment, security, health and safety.

ISEEK, the go-to source for education and employment info in Minnesota, lists the following salary data for the seven-county metro area:

Audio and Video Equipment Technicians

• Average Wage: $22.06
• Top Earners: $32.61