Help with getting a starter job in the AV industry please

Jamie G · 02-02-2009, 2:45 PM

Hi,

I'm keen to change careers and get into a job that really interests me, and was thinking i would quite like to work in the AV industry in some capacity.

I've been checking out websites etc and the job of installer is one that i quite like the sound of. I've seen that you can get a CEDIA level 1 installer qualification, which i would be prepared to do, but it costs quite a lot and i'm unsure just how many job opportunities there are out there in this current climate.

Are there any other starter roles available in the Home Cinema / AV world that i may be missing? i.e. a way to get a foot in the door and work up from there. I am essentially a complete novice but as a keen self-taught amateur i feel i could really have something to offer.

Any help with this from you guys would be really appreciated

Thanks in advance all

vex · 03-02-2009, 10:11 AM

Just apply to installers in your area and say you are willing to start at the bottom. This will make you more attractive to them but being at the bottom means you will be tea boy and gofa for a while.

The pay isn't good until you get up the top end, but then the hours are crap with endless quoting, client meetings and telephone calls and less of the stuff I enjoy which is getting things to work and seeing the clients face when they are happy with it.

The last two nights I have still been talking to clients on the phone at 10pm!

IMO don't bother with CEDIA if you are worth it (and the installer thinks CEDIA is worth it) then they may pay for you to do it later on. Personally you will learn more on the job and it isn't worth it for just a badge.

HTH

V.

Jamie G · 10-02-2009, 12:25 PM

Brilliant, thanks for the advice Vex

I was actually thinking of just composing a general e-mail to send round to a bunch of different companies, now i will.

Thanks again mate

JamesParker · 11-02-2009, 10:56 AM

Good luck with sending mass emails mate but ive tryed that with about 100 companys its hard work to get started but good luck and dont give up!

Jamie G · 11-02-2009, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesParker

Good luck with sending mass emails mate but ive tryed that with about 100 companys its hard work to get started but good luck and dont give up!

Thanks mate, if you don't mind me asking, did you get any joy in the end?

If so what did you put in the e-mails you sent?

Thanks again James, all the best mate

JamesParker · 11-02-2009, 10:20 PM

I got a few replys but most of them needed experience and would keep me on record blah blah but no ones willing to give you the time to get the experience thats the toruble.
In the email's i put general questions if they have a trainee job to work along side some one to build up skills say your willing to travel and willing to train in anything just to up your chances.
James