The AVIXA Foundation Scholarship & Internship Programs
AVIXA, the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, is an international trade association committed to accelerating growth in the audiovisual industry through standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership.
TierPM AV/IT Workforce Solutions had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Valerio, Director of Workforce Development at AVIXA and the Program Director of the AVIXA Foundation, on the AVIXA Foundation’s impressive scholarship and internship programs.
Joseph Valerio, Director of Workforce Development at AVIXA and the Program Director of the AVIXA Foundation.
The AVIXA Foundation provides access to quality skills education, builds career pathways, and provides valuable hands-on experiences to inspire the next generation of leaders in the audiovisual industry.
The Foundation’s internship program provides students with education and training, financial support, mentorship, and more. This Foundation partners with audiovisual companies to provide resources and guidance during the program.
Along with its internship program, AVIXA’s Foundation also offers a scholarship program to provide tuition financial support for students looking to advance in the audiovisual industry.
How does the AVIXA Foundation internship program work?
Companies seek out interns in their region to sponsor, finding students who would make a good fit, and then join forces with the Foundation for ongoing support. Interns receive a number of benefits, including $4,000 towards their education ($2,000 from the Foundation and $2,000 from sponsoring companies). They also have access to AVIXA’s education and certification courses, mentoring, and AVIXA trade shows.
How can companies benefit from this program?
This is a great opportunity for any company currently looking for talent. Companies are able to recruit students ready to enter the workforce and shape them into future employees. At an early stage in their careers, the interns in our program have access to education from AVIXA, which in turn reinforces fundamental skills they’ll need when they join the workforce.
Full Sail University Partners on Audio Visual Education With AVIXA Foundation
What kinds of opportunities are typically available?
We hear time and again from our industry that there is a big need for entry-level positions. Many of our members have a difficult time finding qualified personnel since the next generation isn’t aware of A/V as a career. These entry-level positions are prime for interns new to the industry.
Additionally, we also see a growing need across the industry for individuals with design and engineering backgrounds.
How can a company get involved?
The most effective way for companies to connect with potential interns is to build relationships at a local level. We highly suggest companies reach out to the technical schools, secondary (high) schools, colleges and universities in their region to connect with teachers, career counselors, and participate in job fairs or career exploration days. They are fantastic opportunities to showcase what A/V can offer students. Building strong relationships in this way creates a clearer pathway for students.
Always feel free to contact the Foundation for help and resources to get you started. Email foundation@avixa.org.
Full Sail University Partners on Audio Visual Education With AVIXA Foundation
How does the AVIXA Foundation scholarship program work?
The Foundation’s scholarship program was created to honor the late Michael Vergauwen’s contributions to the industry by supporting educational opportunities for students engaged in collegiate programs related to A/V.
The Michael Vergauwen Scholarship awards $5,000 to eligible third-and-fourth-year college students, or those in their last year in a two-year institution. Applicants must be dependents of employees, or employed themselves, at AVIXA member organizations. The Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2019-2020 program year. The deadline is March 1, 2019.
Looking ahead, the AVIXA Foundation will continue to build partnerships with education and nonprofit organizations around the world to support its mission of fostering leadership in the Audio Visual industry.
Are you interested in the Foundation’s internship or scholarship program?
Are you interested in the Foundation’s internship or scholarship program?
