Performing arts

Audio visual technician

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

Annual Salary

£18,000 to £35,000

Working hours

39 to 41 a week

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; attending events or appointments

0.5%
Future employment

There will be 0.5% more Audio visual technician jobs in 2027.
In your local area

What's it all about?

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • set up and test equipment
  • carry out safety checks and deal with faults
  • operate equipment during events or performances
  • 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.

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 need.

Once you've finished the course, you could try to find a trainee job at a theatre, college or events company. Some employers may 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
For more information
Apprenticeship

You could become an audio visual technican by doing a level 3 advanced apprenticeship, such as a:

  • creative venue technician apprenticeship
  • live event technician apprenticeship
  • rigger apprenticeship

If you'd like to install cinema, lighting or security systems in homes, you could also do a smart home technician 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
For 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 and work experience

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

More information

Career tips

Employers value experience, so it would improve your chances of finding work if you've got experience of setting up and using audio, visual and computer technology.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join a professional body such as PLASA or the Production Services Association.

Professional bodies help you get professional recognition, training opportunities 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 more about working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.

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

You could join organisations like PLASA or the Production Services Association, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

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

Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

  • 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
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
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