Turning plumbers into smart home systems installers

Stuart Corner
Thursday, 14 June 2007 18:04

IT Industry - Deals

The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has launched Australia's first certification for technicians working with digital home networks, suggesting it presents an opportunity for electricians, plumbers and security installers to increase their revenue by learning how to setup and maintain new home technologies, many of which can be integrated with traditional utilities such as central heating, lighting and plumbing.

The certification, CompTIA Digital Home Technology Integrator+ (DHTI+) is claimed to be the first credential in Australia to certify that an individual has the basic skills and knowledge to configure, integrate, maintain and troubleshoot a home network.

According to CompTIA, the training provides technicians with the skills to set up and manage networks of devices around a home including wireless Internet connections, Internet enabled kitchen appliances, media servers, security systems, heating and ventilation systems and digital television set top boxes.

Peter O'Conner, installation solutions manager with Foxtel, said: "One issue the subscription television sector in Australia is currently facing is the lack of competencies supporting the type of work undertaken. As the digital home evolves, the need to establish industry benchmarks underpinned by formal qualifications and cross-recognition will become more evident. The DHTI+ certification potentially provides the subscription television sector with a standard that is independently validated and meets industry needs."

"Digital home networking will never develop as an industry without qualified technicians to deliver service and support‚" said Henry Louey ANZ regional director, CompTIA. "This qualification will help create an army of skilled specialists, increase the credibility of skills for home networking and improve the legitimacy of the digital home industry overall.

CompTIA was founded in the US in 1982 by representatives of five micro-computer dealerships. Today it has more than 22,000 member companies in over 100 countries around the world; and serves as the voice of the world's $1 trillion-plus IT industry. Its mission is "to provide a unified voice, global advocacy and leadership, and to advance industry growth through standards, professional competence, education and business solutions."