Technician – Lighting / Sound

Audio-visual (AV) technicians install and operate multimedia display equipment in a range of settings like concert venues.

They work on areas such as installing sound, video and lighting for a theatre.

With experience, they can move into project management, where they meet clients and design AV systems to meet their needs.

AV technicians work with a wide range of equipment, including: projectors; sound systems; LCD or plasma screens; video and still cameras; image editing software; lighting; control rigs.

An AV technician's day-to-day duties include: setting up equipment according to instructions from project managers or clients such as event managers; testing equipment before the event; finding any faults on site, and either fixing them or getting substitute equipment; operating equipment during rehearsals and the event itself.

Other duties include: checking and servicing the equipment; managing equipment; booking and tracking systems; training other people to use the equipment; auditing a venue's equipment resources, recommending or organising upgrades when necessary; buying new equipment and negotiating prices with suppliers.

Salaries for technicians can range between £16,000 and £28,000 a year.

Senior technicians and project managers often earn between £30,000 and £45,000.

You do not need any specific qualifications to work as an audio-visual technician although most employers will prefer to see some experience and/or skills in this field.

You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers (see www.apprenticeships.org.uk).

 As an alternative, before looking for work you could take a college course in a subject that covers some of the skills needed for AV work, such as: video or media production; multimedia technology; photography.

Experience and qualifications in sound technology, IT or electronics can also be useful for starting a career in AV work.

You should ideally have a working knowledge of common office software, particularly presentation packages like PowerPoint. Some employers also prefer applicants with experience of using Apple Mac programs.

A driving licence would be useful, as you would often need to travel between jobs.