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.
