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Audio visual technician
AV technician
Audio visual technicians set up and operate sound, lighting and video equipment at events, conferences and performances.
Average salary (a year)
£22000
Starter
£35000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
38.0 to 45.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
attending events or appointments
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role
College
You could take a course to get some of the skills and knowledge needed in this job. Courses include
digital media, creative media production and technology, T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Once you've finished your course, you could apply for a trainee job at a theatre, college, production company or events organisation. Some employers might want you to have experience of helping with live or online events.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Apprenticeship
    You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example
    Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, Broadcast and Media Systems Level 5 Higher 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
    equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
    guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
    Work
    You could start as an assistant technician and work your way up through training and promotion.
    Experience and qualifications in broadcast engineering, sound technology or electronics may help when it comes to applying for jobs.
    Volunteering
    You could volunteer with a charity, community group or theatre. This could help you get experience of setting up and running audio visual equipment.
    More Information
    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 also learn about working in the wider creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      To be thorough and pay attention to detail
      Knowledge of media production and communication
      The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
      The ability to work on your own
      The ability to work well with your hands
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      To be flexible and open to change
      Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As an audio visual (AV) technician you could
    work with event organisers to draw up a production plan, set up and test sound, lighting and video equipment, and program control systems, carry out pre-event safety checks and fix faults, operate equipment during events in line with instructions, pack up equipment at a venue ready for storage or transportation, train others in the safe use of AV 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 & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience, you could
    manage an audio visual (AV) department, for example in a college or university, specialise in lighting or sound design, provide bespoke systems in homes and businesses, move into AV equipment services and sales, become self employed and install screens and equipment in music venues, sports stadiums and transport hubs
    You might also wish to become an events manager or broadcast engineer.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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