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Audio visual technician

Alternative titles for this job include AV technician

Audio visual technicians install and run screens, sound and lighting equipment at events and performances.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an audio visual technician

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

There is no set entry route to become an audio visual technician.

It might help to do a level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology or a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production. These courses will teach you some of the skills you'll need in an audio visual technician role.

Once you've finished the course, you could apply for a trainee job at a theatre, college or events company. Some employers might want you to have experience helping at a live event.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could become an audio visual technician by doing a:

  • Creative Venue Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Live Event Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Rigger Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Audiovisual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

If you'd like to install cinema, lighting or security systems in homes, you could do the Smart Home Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an assistant technician and work your way up. 

You might find it useful to have experience and qualifications in broadcasting, sound technology or electronics.

Volunteering

You could volunteer with a charity, college or theatre group. This could help you get experience of setting up and running audio visual technology and software.

More Information

Career tips

When applying for jobs, you'll find it useful if you have experience of setting up and using audio, visual and computer technology. 

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Production Services Association (PSA) or the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) for training, professional recognition and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about audio visual careers and training from ScreenSkills.

You can also find out about working in creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an audio visual technician you could:

  • set up and test equipment
  • carry out safety checks and deal with faults
  • operate equipment during events
  • check and repair equipment
  • train other people to use equipment

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Audio Visual Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,863.00 Annually
  • Location: London

Creative Venue Technician Apprentice

  • Wage: £11,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Kingston Upon Thames
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Sound Engineering Extended Certificate

  • Provider: ONE SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: Ipswich

Sound Engineering L3 BTEC

  • Provider: THE PRIORY SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2023
  • Location: HITCHIN
Find courses near you

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