Audio visual technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

Entry requirements:

College

There is no set entry route to become an audio visual technician.

It might help to do a level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology or a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production. These courses will teach you some of the skills you'll need in an audio visual technician role.

Once you've finished the course, you could apply for a trainee job at a theatre, college or events company. Some employers might want you to have experience helping at a live event.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or an Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

If you'd like to install cinema, sound, lighting or security systems in homes, you could apply for a Smart Home Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant technician and work your way up.

You might find it useful to have experience and qualifications in broadcasting, sound technology or electronics.

Volunteering

You could volunteer with a charity, college or theatre group. This could help you get experience of setting up and running audio visual technology and software.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of audio-visual operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• to be flexible and open to change
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• customer service skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of media production and communication
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• excellent written communication skills
• observation and recording skills
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Audio visual technicians install and run screens, sound and lighting equipment at events and performances.

As an audio visual technician you could:

• set up and test equipment
• carry out safety checks and deal with faults
• operate equipment during events
• check and repair equipment
• train other people to use equipment

Location : You could work at a conference centre, in a theatre, at a recording studio, at a college or at a client's home.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £35,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays attending events or appointments

Career Path:

With experience, you could:

• manage an audio visual department
• specialise in lighting or sound design
• become an events manager
• move into equipment and services sales
• become self employed and install equipment in homes