Audio-visual technician

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.