Roadie

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by private training providers

Entry requirements:

College

There is no set entry route to become a roadie but you could get some useful skills from a college course like:

• Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage
• Level 3 Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology

You could then try to find a trainee job with an events company. Some employers may prefer you to have experience of live events.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

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

These can take around 2 years to complete.

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

Volunteering

People often start by working for free for local bands. This can help you to make contacts that eventually lead you to paid jobs. To get relevant experience you could also:

• work backstage in college or amateur theatre productions
• do casual work at local concert venues, gigs or festivals
• work for equipment hire and supply companies

DirectApplication

You may be able to apply direct if you have previous experience of work like:

• electrical installation or electronics
• stagehand
• theatre lighting
• sound production
• music technology

OtherRoutes

You may be able to do short courses with private training providers for things like:

• rigging
• health and safety
• lighting installation
• working at heights
• operating lifting equipment
• pyrotechnics

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

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

What you'll do:

Roadies set up and dismantle stage, instruments, sound and lighting equipment before and after live shows, festivals and events.

You could:

• lift and carry equipment and sets
• drive, load and unload vans, trailers and tour buses
• act as security for equipment and band members
• set up and look after sound equipment
• install video equipment and screens
• rig up wiring and lighting
• set up firework and laser displays
• tune instruments before and during the show

Location : You could work at a sports arena, at a music venue or from a vehicle.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, noisy, at height, you may spend nights away from home and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £18,000
Experienced : £37,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

23 - 25 hours variable

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

Career Path:

Most roadies work freelance. You may be able to move from working with unknown bands in the UK to high profile, large scale, multi national tours.

With experience, you could become a road or tour manager, or move into band management or music promotion.

You could transfer your technical skills to work behind the scenes in theatre, film or television or event health and safety advice work.