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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Audio-visual technician