Registered Communications Distribution Designer® (RCDD®) credential, among others. For individuals and companies looking to upskill, these partners offer a direct pipeline to BICSI’s bestin-class standards and curriculum. A searchable directory on the association’s website makes it easy to locate the nearest training provider and understand which courses are offered. Beyond training providers, BICSI works with affiliates—organizations that raise their hand to represent and expand BICSI’s mission in specific territories. Affiliates become the face of BICSI within their regions, supporting members, credential holders, and the broader ICT community. “We have a BICSI affiliate in Japan, one in Southeast Asia, one in India, one in the Caribbean and Latin America, and our newest affiliate in Saudi Arabia,” Daniels says. The Saudi affiliate has already hosted its first BICSI conference in Riyadh earlier this month. Whether it’s training, standards, or credentials, these affiliates extend BICSI’s presence and support across key global markets. ADVOCACY AND THE FUTURE OF ICT CAREERS As the industry evolves, so do the policy, regulatory, and economic frameworks that shape ICT work. BICSI plays an increasingly active role in advocacy and representation, always with workforce development as the focus. One recent example is the association’s involvement with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics as it updates its occupational classification system. BICSI has been providing data, insights, and recommendations to ensure that the job classifications reflect the reality of modern ICT roles. At the state level, BICSI is vigilant about legislative or licensing changes that could harm ICT professionals. Daniels points to a recent initiative in Delaware to alter licensing requirements for limited-energy, lowvoltage integrators—changes that could have had “a significantly negative impact on the entire industry.” “We worked very hard with other stakeholders and associations,” he recalls.“We supplied our members and credential holders with clear talking points about the impacts and guidance on who to contact to express their positions.” It’s a model BICSI intends to replicate wherever needed. On the positive side of the policy ledger, BICSI is closely watching new opportunities such as changes to 529 college savings plans that allow funds to be used for certain training and certification programs. For students and career changers who may not be planning a traditional four-year degree, ICT careers offer a high-value pathway into a dynamic, growing 154 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12
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