IABM Educational Foundation launched
Published: MEA
WORLD: In accordance with the objectives of its Lifelong Learning Manifesto, the IABM (International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers) has supported the establishment of the IABM Educational Foundation.
The foundation is registered as a charity in the UK and operates globally, independent of the IABM. Its mission is to deliver a broadcast and media technology skills certification scheme along with other initiatives that support technical education, skills, and career development in the sector.
‘More than 100 companies and organisations supported our Lifelong Learning Manifesto, which commits us to fostering not only the development of educational resources, such as courses offered by the IABM Training Academy, but also the means of testing and recognising delegates’ educational achievement,’ said IABM director general Peter White. ‘We’re now in a position to proceed with the latter work, and the IABM Educational Foundation is the right vehicle through which to do it.’
Over the past two years, the IABM Training Academy has overseen the delivery of broadcast and media technology courses to hundreds of delegates from around the world. Until now, there has been no effective recognition of the resulting attainment. Once pilot assessments are completed, the foundation will provide a suite of examinations, delivered online and open to all, that will lead to the award of a Certified Broadcast and Media Technologist qualification. This qualification will enable engineers and technologists to prove their personal achievement and it will be complemented by a scheme for recognising continuing occupational and professional development. This will put the onus on the individual to maintain the certification throughout their careers.
‘We are developing our certification scheme to help broadcast professionals secure international accreditation to ISO:IEC 17024, which is the conformity standard for bodies certifying individuals,’ explained Roger Crumpton, a founding director and trustee of the IABM Educational Foundation. ‘We have secured initial funding for three years and have already been able to make funds available for training bursaries and for financial awards to students.’