Where will this course lead?

Live events range from concerts, festivals and theatrical performances, through to exhibitions, conferences, product launches and showcases.

Live Event Technicians prepare and set-up technical equipment for such events. Ultimately specialising in sound, lighting or video, Live Event Technicians will carry out routine and one-off technical preparation and the set-up of equipment for events.

They will have knowledge of the equipment used and the skills needed to store, pick, maintain, transport and build components into a functioning system, as well as operate these systems.

A Live Event Technician will be part of the team that turns a venue into a functioning event environment before returning the site to its original state, often within a short time frame.

Outside the event environment, Technicians are responsible for the control, servicing, repair and storage of complex technical equipment. In any context working safely and ethically is paramount and many projects are carried out in fast moving, dynamic workplaces.

Live Event Technicians will be expected to work both individually and as part of a production team. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving processes. The nature of this role requires that candidates are physically fit and comfortable working at height.

The skills and knowledge acquired can lead to a variety of roles from on-site Technician to in-house Project Manager, and potentially on to the Account Managers and Production Managers of the future.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

• Preparation, test, repair and maintenance of equipment such as Amplifiers, Speakers & Sound Control Desks; Lights, Dimmers & Lighting Control Desks or Video Screens, Projectors & associated Control Equipment.
• Assembly of systems from component parts and fault finding
• Operation of specialised technical equipment & tools.
• People management and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy including specialist software systems such as CAD/Design and Rental Management.
• Understanding and interpreting specifications and drawings.
• Logistics, with specific reference to truck pack, the ability to judge required space for loads, and prepare Carnets & Manifests for shows travelling outside of the UK/EU.
• Lifting/Ground Rigging - much of the technical equipment used in live events is hung from pre-rigged support systems.
• Customer Service - Dealing politely & respectfully with customers, ranging from Account Managers to Production Managers to the end client when on-site.
• Product knowledge and terminology including the theory surrounding chosen specialisms e.g. sound, light and video.
• Understand planning processes required to deliver a live event and the importance of eliminating errors that can prove costly on site.
• Selection of the correct tools and equipment for tasks.
• Electricity and Temporary Electrical Supplies; theory, practice and safety.
• Management Structures within the event environment, site etiquette and culture, including on site communication and interdependencies between departments.
• Working knowledge of stock control, warehousing, storage, logistics and transportation.
• First Aid and Health & Safety including manual handling, work at height, noise, working hours & fatigue and related legislation.
• The environmental impact of live events and how it is managed.
• Lifting operations; theory and practice.
• The sectors within the live events industry.

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day or block-release and independent work-based study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections, and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Live Event Technician Apprenticeship Standard

Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions, and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:

• Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence
• Practical observation with questioning

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e., pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Live Event Technician's programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

• English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent
• Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent
• A GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent in ICT is preferred but not essential
• Demonstrate a passion for the events industry
• Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some textbooks for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens, and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary.

Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can continue your employment in the industry OR progress onto higher level qualifications through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to become a Team Leader or Operations Manager.