Audio-visual technicians install and operate visual, sound and lighting equipment in learning, events and performance spaces.
Day-to-day tasks
* set up and test equipment
* find and deal with faults
* operate equipment during events or performances
* check and service equipment
* train other people in how to use equipment
* carry out safety checks on AV equipment for organisations or venues
Working environment
Where you could work
You could work at a conference centre, in a theatre, at a recording studio, at a college or at a client\'s home.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
Working hours
39 to 41 hours per week
When you could work
evenings / weekends / bank holidays (attending events or appointments)
Skills you\'ll need
* to be thorough and pay attention to detail
* the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
* knowledge of computer 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, dexterity and grace
* to be flexible and open to change
* patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
* to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become one
You can get into this job through:
* a college course
* working towards this role
College
There is no set entry route to become an audio-visual technician but it may be useful to do a college course like: Level 2 Technical Diploma in Digital Audio and Visual Production; Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology; Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage; T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job. You could then try to find a trainee job with a theatre, college or events company. Some employers may prefer you to have experience of live events.
You'll usually need:
* 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
You could get into this job through a creative venue technician or live event technician or rigger advanced apprenticeship.
You could also do a smart home technician advanced apprenticeship if you install and set up digital technology in people\'s houses, for example home cinema, sound, lighting and security systems.
You'll usually need:
* 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
* You could volunteer with a charity, college or theatre group to get experience of setting up and running audio-visual technology and software.
* You could start as an assistant technician and work your way up. Experience and qualifications in broadcast and sound technology, or electronics, would be useful.
Career path and progression
* With experience, you could manage an audio-visual department, specialise in lighting or sound design, or become an events manager. You could also move into equipment and services sales.
* You could work self-employed or freelance, for example installing audio-visual equipment in people\'s homes.
More information
You can find out more about this career from:
* You can find out more about audio-visual careers and training from ScreenSkills.
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