Systems Integration Becomes a Trade: National Qualification to Launch in 2027

The qualification, designed for delivery as a four-year program, sits within the national Electrotechnology Training Package and replaces the Certificate III in Custom Electronics Installations, a qualification developed more than 15 years ago that was never picked up by a training provider or completed by a single student. 

The new qualification combines core electrotechnology skills with elective streams spanning telecommunications cabling, security, networking and assistive technology, reflecting the breadth of modern integration work across homes, businesses and public spaces. The Certificate III is the foundation of a broader pathway: a post-trade Certificate IV in Systems Integration was also announced, covering more specialised skills such as system design. 

“Over the past five years, CEDIA has made a significant investment in Australia to secure recognition for smart home professionals and develop clear career pathways that build the skills our industry needs for the future. Our partnership with Powering Skills Organisation marks an important next step in that journey. Together, we are creating a recognised entry point into the smart home industry and raising awareness of the rewarding opportunities available to the next generation of professionals,” CEDIA Senior Vice President of Membership and Global Development, Wendy Griffiths, says. 

Paul Skelton, CEDIA Regional Development Consultant, Australia and New Zealand, and Founder and Managing Director of Master Integrator, says the qualification answers the industry's longest-running complaint. 

“For more than 20 years, integrators have told anyone who would listen that there was no formal way into this trade. No apprenticeship, no recognised pathway, just manufacturer training and people learning on the job,” Skelton says. “From next year, a school leaver will potentially be able to walk into this industry the same way they would walk into any other trade. That changes everything about how we recruit, how we train and how we are seen.” 

The qualification was developed by a volunteer coalition drawn from across the residential, commercial, AV, telecommunications and assistive technology sectors, coordinated by the Powering Skills Organisation, the Jobs and Skills Council responsible for the energy and electrotechnology workforce. 

“This qualification exists because the industry showed up,” says Christina Bradley, project manager at the Powering Skills Organisation. “Volunteers gave their time over several years to define what a competent integrator looks like, and the result is a trade qualification the whole sector can stand behind.” 

“Partnering with the Powering Skills Organisation marks a transformative milestone for the AV industry in Australia. Embedding CTS and CEDIA certifications into the official UEE Electrotechnology package will address immediate skill shortages in the region and create clear, recognised career pathways for the next generation of AV professionals,” said YL Pang, Senior Director – Asia Pacific for AVIXA. 

The inclusion of assistive technology was pivotal to the qualification's approval, positioning integration as essential infrastructure that supports older Australians and people with disability to live independently at home. 

Registered training organisations are now being secured as launch partners ahead of the first intake, and work is underway to secure the funding arrangements that will underpin the qualification's delivery as a formal apprenticeship. Educators who hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and want to be involved in delivery are encouraged to make contact. 

About Powering Skills Organisation

Powering Skills Organisation (PSO) is responsible for the training framework that underpins the energy sectors. PSO works to find solutions to skills and workforce challenges of our diverse stakeholder network, utilising strong collaboration between industry and training providers.

About CEDIA 

CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA is dedicated to advocacy, connection, and education, and fosters a thriving community as the home for smart home professionals. Globally, CEDIA advances the rights of technology integrators by working with governmental bodies; gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople for learning and networking; and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the continued growth of the smart home industry. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver smart home technology solutions that enrich homeowners' lives. CEDIA also produces The Integration Conversation podcast, sharing insights and perspectives from industry leaders, and offers a dedicated CEDIA Membership App to connect, inform, and support professionals worldwide. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org.   

About AVIXA 

AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, consultants, programmers, live events companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver outcomes for end users. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Visit www.avixa.org 

About Master Integrator 

Master Integrator is the industry body for the Australian systems integration sector, established in 2026 to represent the professionals who design, install and maintain integrated technology in homes, businesses and public spaces. Built on three pillars of advocacy, education and community, Master Integrator works to secure recognised career pathways, lift technical standards, and give integrators a unified voice with government, industry and the trades that sit alongside them. It convenes practitioners for learning and connection, contributes to the development of nationally recognised qualifications, and produces the Master Integrator podcast, sharing insights from leaders across the residential and commercial industry.