For the most successful custom integrators, the value of world-class training and education cannot be understated. Having a knowledgeable and expertly trained crew of installers is a tremendous marketing tool and ensures each project gets completed efficiently and correctly. And, at a time when finding and retaining talent is a major challenge, access to industry-leading education can help you land that next great hire.

To assist dealers in those efforts, Azione Unlimited and Home Technology Specialists Nationwide (HTSN) have worked together to launch an exclusive education platform for their custom integrators. The Azione Unlimited and HTSN Learning Academies, powered by CEDIA — the global authority on training and education for the custom integration industry — and available exclusively through Nationwide Marketing Group’s Nationwide Learning Academy platform, will provide members with unfettered access to a curated collection of educational courses, vendor product training and more.

“When we first partnered with CEDIA 18 months ago, we knew that education was the guiding light for what we hoped to accomplish together,” says Hank Alexander, director of HTSN. “As we enter this next phase of our partnership, we’re excited to see our dealers begin to take advantage of this tremendous new resource and the benefits it will have for their teams and their businesses.”

The education platform will feature the entire suite of CEDIA Academy courses. That means Azione and HTSN members will have complimentary access to hundreds of hours of self-paced education that covers a wide range of topics, including foundational technical skills, specialty skills and techniques, business support tools and more. In addition, Azione and HTSN will regularly update their learning academies with fresh product training provided by vendor partners.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with CEDIA and Nationwide Marketing Group to deliver the Azione Learning Academy,” says Richard Glikes, CEO and president of Azione. “This resource will collect valuable trainings, provide a suite of tools, and allow members to access programs all in one place, which is an asset that is unmatched in this industry.”

Education has always been a major component and driving force behind the partnership between CEDIA and Nationwide Marketing Group’s custom integration network. This expanded program represents an opportunity to further extend the reach of the CEDIA educational platform to integrators within the HTSN and Azione communities.

“We’re excited to work hand in hand with Azione and HTSN to create a more highly skilled workforce,” says Mandy Becker, CEDIA Vice President of Education and Training. “Their commitment to their members and investment in talent development closely aligns with our mission to connect, empower, and champion home technology professionals.”

With the Azione and HTSN Learning Academies integrated into the NLA platform, integrators who complete the various training and education modules will be able to reward themselves for their continuing education. Participants will earn NLA rewards points that can be redeemed for a wide variety of gift cards.

Azione and HTSN members can head to MemberNet to learn more about the new Learning Academies. Those attending CEDIA Expo in Dallas, September 29 – October 1 can also stop by the co-located booth (#31117) to chat with the team. Additional information will also be shared in the coming weeks.