Audio visual technician
Audio visual technicians set up and operate sound, lighting and video equipment at events, conferences and performances.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an audio visual (AV) technician you could:
- work with event organisers to draw up a production plan
- set up and test sound, lighting and video equipment, and program control systems
- carry out pre-event safety checks and fix faults
- operate equipment during events in line with instructions
- pack up equipment at a venue ready for storage or transportation
- train others in the safe use of AV equipment
Working environment
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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- manage an audio visual (AV) department, for example in a college or university
- specialise in lighting or sound design
- provide bespoke systems in homes and businesses
- move into AV equipment services and sales
- become self employed and install screens and equipment in music venues, sports stadiums and transport hubs
You might also wish to become an events manager or broadcast engineer.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of media production and communication
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to work on your own
- the ability to work well with your hands
- excellent verbal communication skills
- 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
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
You could take a course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job. Courses include:
- digital media
- creative media production and technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Once you've finished your course, you could apply for a trainee job at a theatre, college, production company or events organisation. Some employers might want you to have experience of helping with live or online events.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
More Information
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:
- Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Scenic Automation Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
- Broadcast and Media Systems Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 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
More Information
You could start as an assistant technician and work your way up through training and promotion.
Experience and qualifications in broadcast engineering, sound technology or electronics may help when it comes to applying for jobs.
You could volunteer with a charity, community group or theatre. This could help you get experience of setting up and running audio visual equipment.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Production Services Association (PSA) or the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) for training, professional recognition and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You can get more information on audio visual careers from ScreenSkills.
You can also learn about working in the wider creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.