UK - London-based integrators, Tateside, has hired two new employees on an apprenticeship basis as part of their commitment to fostering the next generation of AV industry professionals. As part of their training, George and Joe will shadow the Tateside team on projects, undergo technical training and spend time with different departments to gain an understanding of the integration business and the world of AV.
“Many of us started out in AV quite young, and we want to give others the opportunity to do the same,” says Jack Cornish, technical director at Tateside. “It can be difficult for people to find a clear career route into the integration business, so through these apprenticeships, we are offering a path to a future in AV that will hopefully inspire these young people to continue their journey within the company or the wider industry.”
A typical day during the apprenticeship includes site meetings, introductions to different departments, from managed services to project management and IT, and direct technical training on everything from AV networks to cabling and rack maintenance. Alongside practical sessions, apprentices also begin their journey towards AVIXA certification by learning online with AVIXA’s courses.
“I joined Tateside because I wanted to pursue a career in technical installation, combining my passion for electronics with hands-on work,” says George Dodds, apprentice at Tateside. “I’ve been learning how loudspeakers work, how they’re installed, and the various cable connectors involved. I enjoy both physical tasks and technology, so this job is the perfect blend for me. So far, I’ve had a great experience – everyone has been incredibly supportive and has taught me so much. I’m excited about the future and eager to face the challenges in a constantly evolving industry.”
“I seized the opportunity of working at Tateside, driven by my passion for the AV industry and technology,” confirms Joe Sullivan, also on an apprenticeship. “I have had hands-on experience re-imaging NVIDIA shields for digital signage and developing scripts to streamline data entry. I’m also expanding my knowledge of HTML and other programming languages to further strengthen my skills in the sector.”
Tateside is committed to giving back to the AV industry in which it operates, through initiatives such as apprenticeships and its regular AV networking event, Lateside.
“We are always thrilled to bring young talent into the Tateside team, and with the opportunity to expand, we jumped at the chance to find the right people,’ says Graham Agambar, director at Tateside. “Both George and Joe are extremely keen, and their enthusiasm and willingness to learn is truly inspiring, injecting a new spirit into the team.
“It’s also great to see the faith we place in our more senior engineers to mentor these guys and instil the ethos that drives our approach to the wide variety of projects we undertake. Investing in young trainees ensures a strong pipeline of future talent within Tateside and the industry as a whole."
