By Kerry Moyer

In his recent speech to Congress, President Obama emphasized the need for education and the importance of expanding the reach of broadband. And what’s the best way to get broadband from the street to the house – better still, to get it around the house?  Why, using an ESPA Certified-EST^®, of course! The ESPA program provides a ready solution to President Obama’s challenge to the American people to engage in one year of education or career training. 

ESPA’s review course and exam test will be offered together for the first time at the upcoming EHX Spring at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Saturday, March 14. 

Three years ago, CEA partnered with two other industry-leading associations CEDIA and the NSCA to found the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA). Our objective was to provide not only training, but also certification to those looking at a career in today’s high tech marketplace. With the increasing sophistication of today’s electronic products, consumer demand for in-house installation and integration has soared. ESPA certification demonstrates to the consumer, as well as potential employers, that an individual has the needed skill-sets and competency to do the job. CEA is pleased to cooperate with these other two associations to offer a common baseline certification that provides a gateway to a more advanced career.   

ESPA Certified-EST^® targets the entry-level technician, providing a set of fundamental best practices common across all tech markets – structured wiring, distributed audio and video, satellite, theater rooms, lighting, security and life safety systems and automation controls.  It covers five key domains: electrical basics; tools; construction methods and materials; wiring and installation practices; and standards, codes, and safety practices.  And all apply for both residential and commercial applications.

Given the current economy’s high level of unemployment, ESPA offers a re-training opportunity to “old economy” workers, those who have been affected by changes in manufacturing, outsourcing and technology. ESPA helps build a 21^st Century workforce ready for high tech jobs.  Military vets and returning GIs are perfect candidates, as are those looking for an alternative to college. The recently enacted “Stimulus Bill” creates high tech jobs. Who better to wire the schools, hospitals and medical offices to the Internet than an ESPA Certified-EST^®? 

To launch its program at EHX Spring, ESPA is offering its one-day review course FREE. The regular price is $299.  The review course runs 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and will be followed by the two-hour certification exam from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Exam cost is $199. More information about ESPA at EHX can be found at www.EHXweb.com.

Kerry Moyer is CEA’s senior director, Member Relations and chairman of the ESPA board of directors

Popularity: 28% [?]

This entry was posted on Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 10:31 am and is filed under Home Technologies. Reply to this post, or trackback from your own site. Follow responses to this entry through the comments RSS feed.