Lighting technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• broadcasters' training schemes
• specialist courses run by private training providers

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• performing arts (production)
• lighting design
• lighting and performance technology
• technical theatre

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could complete a college course like:

• Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts
• Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

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 may be able to start training in this job by applying for one of the following apprenticeships:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3
• Installation Electrician and Maintenance Electrician Level 3
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5

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 qualify as an electrician first and then get practical experience in production lighting.

Volunteering

You will need relevant practical experience. You may be able to find a traineeship with a specialist lighting company. You could also look for experience in the following settings:

• lighting equipment hire companies
• theatres or concert venues
• amateur theatre
• student or community film projects

You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .

OtherRoutes

You may be able to get training through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters offer. For example:

• BBC trainee schemes
• Channel 4 training scheme
• ITV Careers

You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• maths knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• leadership skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• design skills and knowledge
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• problem-solving skills
• customer service skills
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with your hands
• practical skills for installing equipment
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting for concerts, conferences and theatre, or in film and TV productions.

You could:

• interpret a lighting designer's plan
• carry out risk assessments for health and safety purposes
• plan where to run cables and place lights at film locations
• help to rig and check the equipment
• take cues from the stage manager in theatre or the floor manager in TV
• programme and operate manual and computer-controlled lighting systems
• take down equipment after shows or filming

Location : You could work at a film studio, on a film set, at events, in a theatre or at a TV studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be hot, outdoors some of the time, at height and you may spend nights away from home.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

You could work on more complex events, or specialise in areas like electrical safety, inspection and testing, pyrotechnics or rigging.