How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- sound engineering and production
- audio engineering
- music production
- electrical and electronics engineering
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills needed to get a trainee position, for example:
- sound engineering
- creative media production and technology
- music technology
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply for an apprenticeship to start training in this job. These include:
- Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Assistant Recording Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
- Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree 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
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Work
You might be able to start work as a production runner or an assistant in a recording studio. As your experience and contact list grows, you may be able to do training on the job in sound engineering.
Volunteering
It's useful to get as much practical experience as you can, which can help when applying for jobs.
You might get experience from:
- student film or TV productions
- community music events
- DJ-ing projects
- hospital or community radio
- working for sound equipment rental companies
- recording music in a home studio and posting your work online
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Career tips
You'll need a good knowledge of sound equipment and recording and editing software. You may also find it useful to have an understanding of physics and electronics.
Further information
You can find out more about working in sound engineering from Joint Audio Media Education Support (JAMES).