Audiovisual (AV) technicians, also known as AV support technicians, set up, program, operate and maintain all types of audiovisual equipment in conference, exhibition and learning environments.

Equipment includes slide, overhead and multimedia projectors, DVD, CD, video recorders and players, PA systems, video conferencing systems, stills and video cameras, darkroom facilities, sound engineering and video editing suites, lighting, control rigs, and reprographic equipment. The role is often combined with that of IT technician, with responsibility for PCs and peripherals, such as scanners and printers.

Technicians may be employed directly by a school, college or university, an exhibitions company or specialist AV services supplier. Other employers include larger organisations with their own AV departments, such as local authorities and larger public bodies.

On a day-to-day basis AV technicians' duties include:

• selecting, installing and configuring appropriate equipment in line with teaching staff requirements or as specified by the event organisers or exhibition designers
• setting up displays and operating equipment and controls during rehearsals, live shows, conferences and exhibitions
• providing first-line support, including on-the-spot diagnosis and rectification of minor faults as and when they occur – where faults are more serious, technicians make arrangements for back-up equipment to be provided
• carrying out scheduled maintenance checks, which may include portable appliance testing (PAT)
• managing the tracking system, updating records detailing the exact location of equipment and times booked out and returned, and writing up technical reports based on equipment maintenance test results
• assisting or training users in particular types of equipment, writing training notes and organising follow-up workshops when equipment is upgraded
• working with in-house departments to produce publicity and teaching materials
• carrying out equipment audits as part of facilities development or upgrade plans, sourcing and recommending purchases, and negotiating prices with equipment suppliers.

Senior technicians may be responsible for coordinating a team of support staff in carrying out the above duties.

For IT technical support roles see the profile for IT Support Technician.

Hours and Environment

Technicians normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with occasional overtime. Part-time work is often available. Some school or college based jobs may mean work is during term times only. Conference and exhibition jobs will often include evening and weekend work.

The work is indoors, and usually involves some lifting and carrying of heavy equipment. Travel between sites is often required, so a driving licence would be useful.

Skills and Interests

As an audiovisual technician, you should:

• have excellent technical skills and be familiar with the main AV equipment types
• have good troubleshooting skills
• possess creative skills
• have good IT skills
• be well organised
• be able to work well as part of a team and on your own initiative
• be able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• be flexible and adaptable to deal with varied tasks
• be willing to continually update your knowledge and skills
• be aware of electrical safety issues
• be client focused and able to work with staff and students at all levels.

Entry

There are no set qualifications required for entry to this work but most employers usually prefer experience and/or qualifications in this field.

Some GCSEs/S grades in subjects such as maths, English, art and design and IT may be helpful. Other relevant qualifications include:

• BTEC First Certificate/Diploma in Media
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Media (various options covering video, film and sound)
• BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Art & Design (Multimedia – contain units in AV production)
• City & Guilds Diploma (7500) in Media Techniques.

Single subject awards in photography, video, film and audio production/engineering can also be used for entry into this role. Check with local colleges for details.

An entry route for young people is to start as an apprentice technician. Most apprentices begin training at 16 to 19, but you may be able to join up to 24 (see Training section for contacts).

Knowledge of common office software is usually required, particularly presentation packages, such as PowerPoint. Many positions also prefer applicants with some working knowledge of Apple Mac platforms and software. Again, courses covering these are widely available at colleges

For information about careers in audio visual production, see the Skillset Careers website in Further Information.

Training

Once employed, training on specific equipment is carried out by senior technicians. Additional training will cover health and safety requirements as well as in-house tracking procedures.

If not already held, the City & Guilds (2377) Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment is likely to be required (or offered) by employers. Commonly referred to as portable appliance testing (PAT), it is widely available at local colleges.

Higher National Certificates/Diplomas and foundation degrees are available in media, which cover AV design and production. These are offered by colleges throughout the country. These can be undertaken prior to employment or once in position. 

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)

Skillset offers information about a range of NVQ/SVQ awards for technicians working in the audio visual sector. The specific award will depend on your main responsibilities. For details about suitable options, check with Skillset Careers in further Information.

For a role which combines AV work with ICT technical support, there is a variety of work-based training options available. See the profile for IT Support Technician for details.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Audiovisual technicians are employed in the education sector by schools, colleges and universities, and the events sector by conference and exhibition organisers. They also work for specialist AV service providers and equipment suppliers.

Promotion prospects vary. In small organisations possibilities may be limited, but larger organisations may offer structured career paths.

Experienced technicians with relevant qualifications could move into roles such as AV support department manager, facilities manager at a convention centre, or a sound or lighting director in a theatre or concert hall. With additional training in engineering, opportunities may exist in the broadcast equipment manufacturing sector.

For roles in broadcasting and the media, see the technical profiles in the Performing Arts, Broadcast and Media jobs family.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £13,000 and £16,000 a year.
Experienced technicians may earn between £17,000 and £21,000.
Technicians with some management responsibility can earn up to £24,000 a year.

Further information

Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland