TV or film sound technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist training courses

University

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

• sound engineering
• music technology
• media technology
• electrical or electronic engineering

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 take a college course to develop your knowledge and skills before looking for a job. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology
• Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sound Engineering
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 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 start training in this job by applying for an apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills. Apprenticeships include:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3
• Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator 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

It's possible to start out as a roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and setting it up. You may then be able to learn some of the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.

Volunteering

You could look for work experience placements with larger broadcasters like the BBC , ITV and Channel 4 .

You could also get experience by:

• working on student or community film or radio projects
• setting up or 'rigging' sound equipment for amateur theatre or local bands
• helping out in a recording studio

These are good ways to make contacts, learn new skills and to hear about job opportunities.

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for jobs but employers will expect you to have a lot of knowledge and experience in sound technology and equipment, and the science of sound.

OtherRoutes

You could complete a training course with a specialist course provider.

Required Skills:

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

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• persistence and determination
• customer service skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• knowledge of the fine arts
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Sound technicians are responsible for recording the voices and background noise on TV and film shoots.

On a production sound team, you could:

• set up equipment to suit the acoustics and the sound designer’s instructions
• select and place fixed microphones
• operate the boom (a microphone on a pole, used to get close to the sound source)
• check sound quality
• record sound onto digital devices
• service and repair equipment
• play music or sound effects into a live programme

On a post-production team, you may:

• follow a sound designer or sound supervisor's instructions
• mix and balance speech, effects and background music
• edit speech to fit the action on screen
• create extra sound effects and add them into the soundtrack

Location : You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £45,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 50 hours variable

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

Career Path:

You could progress from working for a small, regional company or station to working for a large, national one. You could also move into studio management.