How Workforce Development and Government Affairs Work Together

Workforce development, which focuses on an individual's ability to develop skills and tools for career success, is a crucial ingredient for achieving a healthy and dynamic economy. One of workforce development programs' key roles is to help businesses connect with the skilled workforce they need.

CEDIA’s Industry Workforce Development Mission

A skilled workforce is the lifeblood of an industry, and the companies that operate within it. As the leading membership association for the smart home industry, CEDIA has a vested interest in ensuring that industry companies can efficiently and effectively attract, develop, and retain skilled talent. CEDIA has spent the past several years working to become a viable link between skilled trades talent pipelines and industry employers.

Government Affairs at CEDIA Supports Workforce Development 

CEDIA’s government affairs efforts are designed to support members and ensure they can continue to own and operate their businesses. Through legislative and regulatory tracking, CEDIA works to help solve the nation’s labor and employment problems. We track both regulatory and workforce development related legislation.

Workforce legislation often addresses recruitment and retention, in addition to labor shortages. Many times, the goal is to provide education and training incentives to the trades. When these issues are active in the legislative process, CEDIA tracks the information and keeps the Workforce Development team up to date. 

States Need Workforce Development Efforts

Over the last few years, states have faced a tight labor market which has put pressure on leaders at every level of government. Leaders must make strategic investments that help advance and support business growth. Workforce development is essential to a state’s competitiveness and supports supply chain resiliency.

Integrator Occupational Classification

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, building the skills and competencies of American workers is essential to ensuring the competitiveness of business in the global economy. One of CEDIA’s long-term goals is to establish the Integrator occupational classification within the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes valuable information on employment and wages by occupation including career information, employment levels, and projections. One way to support this important initiative for the industry is to begin using the term Integrator throughout your business and communications.

Get Engaged

Download the free CEDIA NextGen: Smart Home Career Toolkit and become a local champion by:

• Connecting and networking with local skilled trades
• Communicating the size, scope, and talent needs of the local industry
• Validating CEDIA’s role as an industry association that offers education and certifications valued by local industry employers
• Advocating for CEDIA’s Cabling and Infrastructure Technician (CIT) and Integrated Systems Technician (IST) curriculum and certification to be included in new or existing local education programs
• Serving as a guest speaker and/or exhibitor at local events designed to connect jobseekers and employers
• Sharing successes and challenges with CEDIA and volunteers in other communities

The CEDIA Workforce Development and Government Affairs departments work together to advocate and advance the technology systems industry each and every day.