Audio visual technician
Audio visual technicians set up and operate sound, lighting and video equipment at events, conferences and performances.
Typical Salary
£22,000 – £35,000
per year
Working Hours
38–45
hours per week
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
Skills needed
- 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
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to get into this role
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Career progression
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.