Apprentice audio visual technicians help set up and run video, audio, and lighting equipment to enhance live events. They assemble microphones, mix sound boards, organise graphics, operate spotlights, manage video recordings, and provide technical support for corporate events.
To be a good technician, you must have a thorough grasp of audio and video equipment, knowledge of lighting and filming techniques, and excellent troubleshooting skills.
Responsibilities
Throughout your apprenticeship, you may help:
- set up and test equipment
- carry out safety checks and deal with faults
- operate equipment during events or performances
- check and repair equipment
- train other people to use equipment.
Salary
- Starting salaries for an apprentice is £18,000 per year.
- Experienced audio visual technicians can earn up to £35,000 per year.
Working hours
You will typically work 39 to 41 hours per week. Working evenings, weekends and banks holidays whilst attending events and appointments.
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.
Qualifications
Qualifications you can achieve as an apprentice audio visual technician include:
- Level 3 Creative Venue Technician – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This qualification takes 24 months to complete.
- Level 3 Live Event Technician – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This qualification takes 30 months to complete.
- Level 3 Live Event Rigger – Entry requirements for this level include 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship. This qualification takes 36 months to complete.
Skills
On a audio visual technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- knowledge of audio-visual 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 and dexterity
- 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.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- manage an audio visual department
- specialise in lighting or sound design
- become an events manager
- move into equipment and services sales
- become self employed and install equipment in homes