Roadie

Alternative titles for this job include Event technician, production technician, technical support crew, road crew

Roadies set up and dismantle stage, instruments, sound and lighting equipment before and after live shows, festivals and events.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£37,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

23 to 25 variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist courses run by private training providers

College

There is no set entry route to become a roadie but you could get some useful skills from a college course like:

• Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage
• Level 3 Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology

You could then try to find a trainee job with an events company. Some employers may prefer you to have experience of live events.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take around 2 years to complete.

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

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Volunteering

People often start by working for free for local bands. This can help you to make contacts that eventually lead you to paid jobs. To get relevant experience you could also:

• work backstage in college or amateur theatre productions
• do casual work at local concert venues, gigs or festivals
• work for equipment hire and supply companies

Direct Application

You may be able to apply direct if you have previous experience of work like:

• electrical installation or electronics
• stagehand
• theatre lighting
• sound production
• music technology

Other Routes

You may be able to do short courses with private training providers for things like:

• rigging
• health and safety
• lighting installation
• working at heights
• operating lifting equipment
• pyrotechnics

More Information

Registration

• you'll need to register for the National Rigging Certificate, which is a requirement for anyone working in rigging at height in the events industry

Career tips

Persistence, determination and a love of live music and events is really important. Go to lots of gigs and get to know bands. You'll need to show them that you have great team work skills and the ability to adapt quickly in new situations.

What it takes

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• observation and recording skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• be able to cope with working at height

It would be helpful to have a driving licence. You may have an advantage if you have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, which would allow you to drive tour buses and lorries. Fork lift truck training and experience could also be useful.

You could be travelling abroad so it would be useful if you could speak a second language, though it's not essential.

What you’ll do

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

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

• lift and carry equipment and sets
• drive, load and unload vans, trailers and tour buses
• act as security for equipment and band members
• set up and look after sound equipment
• install video equipment and screens
• rig up wiring and lighting
• set up firework and laser displays
• tune instruments before and during the show

Working environment

You could work at a sports arena, at a music venue or from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, noisy, at height, you may spend nights away from home and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

Most roadies work freelance. You may be able to move from working with unknown bands in the UK to high profile, large scale, multi national tours.

With experience, you could become a road or tour manager, or move into band management or music promotion.

You could transfer your technical skills to work behind the scenes in theatre, film or television or event health and safety advice work.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Audiovisual Technician Apprentice

• Wage: £11,778 a year Annually
• Location: Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough

Audiovisual Technician Apprentice

• Wage: £19,000 a year Annually
• Location: London

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

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Jobs In the United Kingdom

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Not what you're looking for?

Related careers

• Live sound engineer
• Stagehand
• Audio visual technician
• Lighting technician
• HGV driver

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