A top level summit meeting is being held today at AFTRS in Sydney to address the declining numbers of broadcast engineers by better training.

A review of employment models by the Australia Section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) shows a skills shortage in the technical areas is the single most critical agenda item for many broadcasters and suppliers in Radio, Television and Post Production and Film.

Chair of the SMPTE Australia Section John Maizels has told radioinfo:

“The last 20 years has seen the Australian Broadcast Industry shift from clearly defined certification goals for engineering and technical staff to a situation where these professionals have no recognised training roadmap. This has left the Industry with no way to recognise individuals who have gained skills, and no growth path for new talent.”

The Australia Section of SMPTE, the industry’s premier standards-setting and professional support organisation globally, is proposing a voluntary Certification scheme to recognise the skills of current practitioners and inspire newcomers to enter the Industry.

SMPTE is planning kick off the Broadcast Industry Education Initiative which will support development of skills and opportunities within the broadcast industry.

The Society is looking for participation from anyone interested in the future of the Broadcast Industry.