One of the greatest challenges facing the broadcast and ProAV industry in Africa and the Middle East is finding staff that have skills and temperament to perform under pressure. "As the broadcast and construction industry in the Middle East continue to boom the shortage of skilled staff is strangling the industry and its becoming progressively more difficult to recruit the right staff, " says AV Specialist publisher Kevan Jones. " Over the last six months I've recieved numerous telephone calls and e-mail messages from readers asking about employment opportunities in the industry - both Africa and the Middle East. Some of the calls have been from broadcasters looking for staff , some have been from dealers or distributors looking for sales staff to represent their products in Africa or the Middle - and still others have been from readers who are looking for a new job (in a broad range of fields including technical , creative , management , sales , marketing , and operations). With each telephone call I find myself with a dilemma. Even if I know somebody ideally suited for a position I'm not sure its appropriate for me to pass their details onto a potential employer without first getting their permission - and even then , is it appropriate to take the initiative and discuss a possible job opening in the first place ? Employment's a very sensitive issue - How would you feel if I was talking to your staff about new job opportunities in the market ?"

Its a dilemma Kevan has avoided by sticking his head in the sand but the cries for help have increased in both tempo and volume. "I've been forced to apply my mind to determine how we can assist employers recruit the right staff , and how we can help anyone looking for a job in the broadcast and ProAV industry find their dream position, " says Kevan.

His solution : JOB SEARCH - a web based information centre that will enable any employer looking for staff to post their job specifications on the AV Specialist website for a period pf three months (or until the position is filled - whichever is the sooner).

The site will be backed up with a regular e-mail newsletter that'll let readers know about new job opportunities - and an advertising campaign encouraging readers looking for a new position to visit the site and look at the jobs listed.

Each posting will cost US$350. The new JOB SEARCH website has been well received by bboth employers and job seekers - with 5 employers placing recruitment ads within 24 hours of the being launched.

Click to View Job Search