Audio-visual technician

Bucks Skills Hub; Egham, Ware, Oxford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational organization in Egham seeks an audio-visual technician to install and operate AV equipment for various events. Responsibilities include setting up, testing, and servicing equipment, along with training others. Candidates should have GCSEs and some relevant coursework or experience in live events. The role may require availability during evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Ability to carry out safety checks on AV equipment.
• Experience preferred in live events.
• Ability to train others on equipment usage.

Responsibilities

• Set up and test audio-visual equipment.
• Operate equipment during events.
• Find and deal with faults.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Knowledge of computer operating systems

Physical dexterity

Flexibility

Patience

Education

2+ GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D)

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C)

Level 2 Technical Diploma in Digital Audio and Visual Production

Job description

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.