CTI Launches U.S. Department of Labor Registered Audiovisual Apprenticeship

CTI, Commercial Integrator’s 2025 Integrator of the Year, has launched a groundbreaking Department of Labor-Registered Apprenticeship for Audiovisual Technicians, aimed at developing skilled professionals without the need for a college degree. Announcing the initiative on LinkedIn, CTI CEO and President John Laughlin, emphasized the importance of attracting new talent to the AV industry.

“We need fresh blood in the AV industry,” Laughlin stated, highlighting the company’s efforts to showcase career opportunities through programs like its summer internship for college students. The new two-year Integration Tech Apprenticeship builds on that mission, offering eager and tech-driven individuals the chance to gain hands-on experience and training — debt-free.

“I believe it is the very first of its kind in the U.S.,” Laughlin said.

As a CTI Registered Apprentice, you’ll benefit from:

• Hands-on competency-based training: Over 4,000 hours mastering 11 key AV integration skills, including installation, calibration and safety.
• Certifications: 288+ hours of classroom instruction on industry standards, CTI processes, and certifications from AVIXA, Crestron, Q-SYS, Audinate and more.
• Debt-free education: No student loans or tuition — your training is completely free.
• Earn while you learn: Get paid throughout the program, combining work and training without waiting until graduation to earn.
• Federally recognized certification: Your U.S. Department of Labor certification is permanent and widely recognized.

“Anyone who’s worked with me knows I believe a great attitude, drive, and willingness to learn matter more than a diploma from ‘the right college.’ The right people are more critical to building a great company than a degree. Character, curiosity, work ethic. A willingness to learn. These are all core to CTI’s culture,” said Laughlin.

CTI-U quickly became an integral part of the company, offering hundreds of courses that range from internal systems training to technical skills and professional workplace behavior.

As the company expanded, additional specialized programs were introduced to maintain high standards and consistency across locations. These include Closer College, which trains project completion experts, and CTI ACED, designed for project managers. Design consultants, engineers, programmers, and technical staff are also encouraged to pursue certifications and stay current with industry advancements.

“A considerable percentage of the people here at CTI, and across the industry, began their careers as technicians. They learned the job from the ground up, inside and out. They developed an interest or expertise, then built the skills to move to the next level. I love seeing that happen,” Laughlin shared.

Laughlin Highlights Commitment to Training and Elevating Industry Standards

Laughlin often quips that he runs an AV business to fund an education program. “It’s a joke I’ve made for years: CTI is an education company funded by an AV integration and live events business,” he said.

While Laughlin’s passion for professional audiovisual work spans nearly three decades, he sees training and developing new talent as a vital responsibility. “Helping people communicate better has always been my passion. Giving back to the industry by bringing in new people, excited about the opportunities, and training them to be the best in the business is the least I can do,” he explained.

Laughlin acknowledged that many in the AV industry found their way into the field by chance. “I’m not exaggerating much when I say half the industry got here by accident — probably more. But it’s time for all of us, as individuals, companies, and as an industry, to keep raising the bar,” he said, emphasizing the importance of certifications like AVIXA’s Certified Technology Specialist and CTI’s Department of Labor-Registered Apprenticeship for Audiovisual Technicians.

“The systems we build every day — whether in conference rooms, broadcast studios, or mission-critical command centers — demand the best training we can provide. It’s the right thing for our clients, for CTI, and for the industry,” Laughlin concluded.