Creative Venue Technician

Level 3

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Creative Venue Technician

Level 3

No formal entry requirements

Level 3 Creative Venue Technician

18 months (of which 15 will be in practical learning).

Standard Overview

The Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship (Creative Venue Technician pathway) is designed to give an apprentice professional and technical knowledge in stage management.

Creative Venue Technicians are essential for the technical setup and operation of creative venues, ensuring professional standards and seamless event execution.

Standard Overview

Creative Venue Technicians are essential for the technical setup and operation of creative venues, ensuring professional standards and seamless event execution.

No formal entry requirements

Level 3 Creative Venue Technician

18 months (of which 15 will be in practical learning).

Creative Venue Technician apprentices will learn:

Creative Venue Technician apprentices are suitable for organisations such as:

Entertainment Venues: Theatres, arts centres, and broadcast studios.
Event Providers: Companies offering technical solutions for live and streamed events.
Technical Support Services: Firms specialising in the setup and operation of various event types.

Typical Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities for a Creative Venue Technician Apprentice could include:

Preparing, building, and operating sound, lighting, and video systems for live performances and events.
Providing support during construction, rehearsal, presentation, and dismantling of live performances.
Assembling, installing, maintaining, and carrying out basic repairs on technical and production equipment.
Operating stage machinery, performing scene changes and handling carpentry tasks related to stage setups.
Applying broad knowledge in lighting, audio, video, and stage systems tailored to the venue’s needs.
Working evenings, weekends, and potentially at height as required by event schedules and venue demands.
Interacting with venue staff, freelancers, performers, production managers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
Ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and meets quality standards, both independently and as part of a team.

Creative Venue Technician apprentices will learn:

Creative Venue Technician apprentices are suitable for organisations such as:

Entertainment Venues: Theatres, arts centres, and broadcast studios.
Event Providers: Companies offering technical solutions for live and streamed events.
Technical Support Services: Firms specialising in the setup and operation of various event types.

Typical Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities for a Creative Venue Technician Apprentice could include:

Preparing, building, and operating sound, lighting, and video systems for live performances and events.
Providing support during construction, rehearsal, presentation, and dismantling of live performances.
Assembling, installing, maintaining, and carrying out basic repairs on technical and production equipment.
Operating stage machinery, performing scene changes and handling carpentry tasks related to stage setups.
Applying broad knowledge in lighting, audio, video, and stage systems tailored to the venue’s needs.
Working evenings, weekends, and potentially at height as required by event schedules and venue demands.
Interacting with venue staff, freelancers, performers, production managers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
Ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and meets quality standards, both independently and as part of a team.

National Reach:

A wide range of apprenticeships available nationally.

Our Apprentices:

100% pass rate. Every student, every time.

Achievements:

Over 4% Higher than the national average on achievement rates across all areas of the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework.

Achievements:

75% distinction rate. Excellence isn’t the goal, it’s the standard.

National Reach:

A wide range of apprenticeships available nationally.

Our Apprentices:

100% pass rate. Every student, every time.

Achievements:

Over 4% Higher than the national average on achievement rates across all areas of the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework.

Achievements:

75% distinction rate. Excellence isn’t the goal, it’s the standard.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but a keen interest in this field is essential. Applicants must be prepared for both shift work and travel.

Prior experience is not necessary, but useful and should be supported by a portfolio of evidence.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Knowledge and understanding

Understanding the industry (terms & relationships)

Health and safety standards including: manual handling, work at height, provision and use of work equipment, construction (design and management), noise, first aid, working hours, electricity at work, fire & emergency procedures, accident reporting and Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.
Security and control of equipment protocols.
Management structures within a venue, etiquette and culture, including communication protocols and interdependencies of departments.
Relevant industry bodies and their roles e.g. HSE, ABTT, BECTU principles of stage and production management.
Creative venue safety systems.
The history, styles, architecture, terminology and acoustics of creative venues.

Planning

The selection of the correct tools and equipment for tasks such as assembling scenic components and truss and rigging lighting, audio and video equipment.
Computer-aided design – viewing, extracting information and realising specifications from system designs e.g. stage plans, lighting plans and sound schematics.
Environmental and sustainability protocols e.g. correct disposal of different lamp types and electronic equipment, reduction in use of PVC products.
Approaches to problem solving – to achieve the creative team’s requirements within the appropriate venue or production’s resources.
Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts.

Production Processes, Performance & Maintenance

The agreed industry safe working procedure: e.g. The Code of Conduct for Get-ins, Fit-ups and Getouts.
Recognition of production design elements – scenic, lighting, audio and visual e.g. means of scenic construction: timber, metal and textile. The properties of electricity, fixed and temporary electrical systems; theory, practice and safety e.g. to enable portable appliance testing of relevant technical equipment.
The properties of mechanical and electromechanical systems e.g. to enable the assembly and monitoring of hydraulic systems for scenic effect.
Lifting operations; theory and practice e.g. to enable monitoring of a lifting operation in compliance with LOLER such as performer flying.
How to identify potential improvements to systems and procedures to better enable the realisation of the creative team’s vision for the production.
Housekeeping – keeping venue work and storage areas clean, tidy and free from the build-up of waste materials.

Skills

Understanding the industry (terms & relationships)

Be computer literate – in word processing, spreadsheets and digital control systems to thereby assist in communication, planning, monitoring and operation of production processes, building services and creative venue technologies e.g. email, drafting reports, supplying technical information and programming production control consoles.
Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
Communicate effectively with co-workers and manage work groups.
Deal politely and respectfully with stakeholders, ranging from freelance, touring and venue staff to performers, community groups and the public.
Diligently manage their own punctuality and working time as required by venue activities.

Planning

Prepare risk assessments and method statements to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes in the venue.
Prepare and interpret system specifications e.g. ground plans, lighting plans and design drawings.
Prepare written information and reports e.g. cue sheets, post performance reports, handover notes.

Production Processes, Performance & Maintenance

Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification – such as scenic and rigging structures, lighting, sound, power, dimming, amplification and control systems undertake fault-finding of components and systems e.g. eliminating feedback in a live audio system.
Under direction – deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment e.g. lighting: select appropriate luminaires and accessories, test, rig, connect and focus to plan.
Operate hand and power tools safely e.g. podger, adjustable spanner, drill driver and jigsaw.
Programme and operate computerised control equipment e.g. lighting, sound and automation control desks.
Set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under ‘show conditions’.
Undertake cueing and live operation e.g. operating a follow spot to a show plot.
Operate suspension systems e.g. manual hemp, single and double purchase counterweight and automated theatrical flying systems.
As directed – inspect, maintain and monitor venue and production systems e.g. emergency lighting, relamping, first line repairs, rig-check.
Diligently undertake stage crafts such as scenic construction, carpentry and more.

Behaviours

Take personal responsibility for safety of self and others.
Have a flexible approach and will be adaptable to change.
Be willing to work unsociable hours in a variety of locations for extended periods.
Be punctual, reliable and personally responsible.
Be self-motivated with a positive and disciplined approach to work.
Have a commitment to personal and professional development.
Develop professional working relationships and treat others with respect using appropriate channels and etiquette.
Have drive and determination to complete a task on time.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification, but a keen interest in this field is essential. Applicants must be prepared for both shift work and travel.

Prior experience is not necessary, but useful and should be supported by a portfolio of evidence.

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

Knowledge and understanding

Understanding the industry (terms & relationships)

Health and safety standards including: manual handling, work at height, provision and use of work equipment, construction (design and management), noise, first aid, working hours, electricity at work, fire & emergency procedures, accident reporting and Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.
Security and control of equipment protocols.
Management structures within a venue, etiquette and culture, including communication protocols and interdependencies of departments.
Relevant industry bodies and their roles e.g. HSE, ABTT, BECTU principles of stage and production management.
Creative venue safety systems.
The history, styles, architecture, terminology and acoustics of creative venues.

Planning

The selection of the correct tools and equipment for tasks such as assembling scenic components and truss and rigging lighting, audio and video equipment.
Computer-aided design – viewing, extracting information and realising specifications from system designs e.g. stage plans, lighting plans and sound schematics.
Environmental and sustainability protocols e.g. correct disposal of different lamp types and electronic equipment, reduction in use of PVC products.
Approaches to problem solving – to achieve the creative team’s requirements within the appropriate venue or production’s resources.
Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts.

Production Processes, Performance & Maintenance

The agreed industry safe working procedure: e.g. The Code of Conduct for Get-ins, Fit-ups and Getouts.
Recognition of production design elements – scenic, lighting, audio and visual e.g. means of scenic construction: timber, metal and textile. The properties of electricity, fixed and temporary electrical systems; theory, practice and safety e.g. to enable portable appliance testing of relevant technical equipment.
The properties of mechanical and electromechanical systems e.g. to enable the assembly and monitoring of hydraulic systems for scenic effect.
Lifting operations; theory and practice e.g. to enable monitoring of a lifting operation in compliance with LOLER such as performer flying.
How to identify potential improvements to systems and procedures to better enable the realisation of the creative team’s vision for the production.
Housekeeping – keeping venue work and storage areas clean, tidy and free from the build-up of waste materials.

Skills

Understanding the industry (terms & relationships)

Be computer literate – in word processing, spreadsheets and digital control systems to thereby assist in communication, planning, monitoring and operation of production processes, building services and creative venue technologies e.g. email, drafting reports, supplying technical information and programming production control consoles.
Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
Communicate effectively with co-workers and manage work groups.
Deal politely and respectfully with stakeholders, ranging from freelance, touring and venue staff to performers, community groups and the public.
Diligently manage their own punctuality and working time as required by venue activities.

Planning

Prepare risk assessments and method statements to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes in the venue.
Prepare and interpret system specifications e.g. ground plans, lighting plans and design drawings.
Prepare written information and reports e.g. cue sheets, post performance reports, handover notes.

Production Processes, Performance & Maintenance

Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification – such as scenic and rigging structures, lighting, sound, power, dimming, amplification and control systems undertake fault-finding of components and systems e.g. eliminating feedback in a live audio system.
Under direction – deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment e.g. lighting: select appropriate luminaires and accessories, test, rig, connect and focus to plan.
Operate hand and power tools safely e.g. podger, adjustable spanner, drill driver and jigsaw.
Programme and operate computerised control equipment e.g. lighting, sound and automation control desks.
Set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under ‘show conditions’.
Undertake cueing and live operation e.g. operating a follow spot to a show plot.
Operate suspension systems e.g. manual hemp, single and double purchase counterweight and automated theatrical flying systems.
As directed – inspect, maintain and monitor venue and production systems e.g. emergency lighting, relamping, first line repairs, rig-check.
Diligently undertake stage crafts such as scenic construction, carpentry and more.

Behaviours

Take personal responsibility for safety of self and others.
Have a flexible approach and will be adaptable to change.
Be willing to work unsociable hours in a variety of locations for extended periods.
Be punctual, reliable and personally responsible.
Be self-motivated with a positive and disciplined approach to work.
Have a commitment to personal and professional development.
Develop professional working relationships and treat others with respect using appropriate channels and etiquette.
Have drive and determination to complete a task on time.

Modules

Safe Working Practises
Electrical Fundamentals
Equipment Testing & Troubleshooting
Maintaining Equipment
Performance Spaces
Stage/Production Management Principles
Problem Solving
Lighting Equipment
Audio Equipment
Industry Awareness
Wellbeing
Programming and Operations
Storage and Logistics (Part 1)
Storage and Logistics (Part 2)

Technical Specifications – Lighting
Technical Specifications – Audio
LOLER
Automation
Scene Changes
Maintenance of Venue Systems
History of Theatre
Venue Budgeting
Production Design
Assemble and Configure Project Planning
Assemble and Configure Project – Execution

Modules

Apprentices will cover the following modules:

Safe Working Practises
Electrical Fundamentals
Equipment Testing & Troubleshooting
Maintaining Equipment
Performance Spaces
Stage/Production Management Principles
Problem Solving
Lighting Equipment
Audio Equipment
Industry Awareness
Wellbeing
Programming and Operations
Storage and Logistics (Part 1)
Storage and Logistics (Part 2)

Technical Specifications – Lighting
Technical Specifications – Audio
LOLER
Automation
Scene Changes
Maintenance of Venue Systems
History of Theatre
Venue Budgeting
Production Design
Assemble and Configure Project Planning
Assemble and Configure Project – Execution

Modules

Apprentices will cover the following modules:

Safe Working Practices
Electrical Fundamentals
Equipment Testing & Troubleshooting
Maintaining Equipment
Performance Spaces
Stage/Production Management Principles
Problem Solving
Lighting Equipment
Audio Equipment
Industry Awareness
Wellbeing
Programming and Operations
Storage and Logistics (Part 1)
Storage and Logistics (Part 2)
Technical Specifications – Lighting
Technical Specifications – Audio
LOLER
Automation
Scene Changes
Maintenance of Venue Systems
History of Theatre
Venue Budgeting
Production Design
Assemble and Configure Project Planning
Assemble and Configure Project – Execution

Employer Testimonials

PRG

"Access Industry consistently delivers an unparalleled level of excellence in their support for PRG's Live Event Technician Apprenticeship and Live Events Assistant Apprenticeship programs. Their bespoke service not only meets but exceeds our expectations, ensuring a seamless and enriching learning experience for our apprentices. Access Industry's commitment to personalised support and guidance sets the standard for exceptional partnership working in the realm of live event education."

NEC

“The combination of in-venue experience and regular training, provides our two Live Event Technician apprentices with plentiful opportunity to enhance the skills they’ve learnt in the classroom, on-the-job with our conventions team. It has been a pleasure to work with Access Industry since 2022 and we look forward to supporting more students with their apprenticeships.”

4Wall

“Access Industry has supported us from the outset, they were committed to understanding the unique needs of our business and has been on hand at each stage of the onboarding process to answer any questions. Our apprentices have consistently demonstrated adaptability, teamwork skills and an eagerness to learn, and the curriculum provided by Access Industry has supported our apprenticeship team with the theory and knowledge necessary to thrive in our industry. It has been great to work collaboratively with Access Industry and we look forward to developing our relationship further in the future.”

Eclipse

“Our apprentice, though new to the industry, has made a positive impact on the team by demonstrating a strong willingness to learn, adaptability, and a proactive approach to tasks. Access Industry's apprenticeship programme is highly recommended for organisations seeking to develop skills in individuals with little or no prior experience. The program facilitates a seamless transition, allowing companies to play a vital role in shaping and enhancing the skills of apprentices, ensuring they contribute effectively to the relevant industry. ”

The Chameleon Agency

“Finding an apprentice through Access Industry has been a blessing for our agency. Not only was the process incredibly simple but the talent at Access Industry is brilliant. It has been great working with them and having Amber as part of our team. She has developed brilliantly and is now working across internal and external projects of all sizes.”

Employer Testimonials

PRG

NEC

“The combination of in-venue experience and regular training, provides our two Live Event Technician apprentices with plentiful opportunity to enhance the skills they’ve learnt in the classroom, on-the-job with our conventions team. It has been a pleasure to work with Access Creative College since 2022 and we look forward to supporting more students with their apprenticeships.”

4Wall

“Access Creative has supported us from the outset, they were committed to understanding the unique needs of our business and has been on hand at each stage of the onboarding process to answer any questions. Our apprentices have consistently demonstrated adaptability, teamwork skills and an eagerness to learn, and the curriculum provided by Access Creative has supported our apprenticeship team with the theory and knowledge necessary to thrive in our industry. It has been great to work collaboratively with Access Creative and we look forward to developing our relationship further in the future.”

Eclipse

“Our apprentice, though new to the industry, has made a positive impact on the team by demonstrating a strong willingness to learn, adaptability, and a proactive approach to tasks. Access Industry's (NCCI) apprenticeship programme is highly recommended for organisations seeking to develop skills in individuals with little or no prior experience. The program facilitates a seamless transition, allowing companies to play a vital role in shaping and enhancing the skills of apprentices, ensuring they contribute effectively to the relevant industry. ”

The Chameleon Agency

“Finding an apprentice through Access Industry has been a blessing for our agency. Not only was the process incredibly simple but the talent at Access is brilliant. It has been great working with them and having Amber as part of our team. She has developed brilliantly and is now working across internal and external projects of all sizes.”

Where do you see yourself?

This apprenticeship equips you with the skills to go onto:

Theatre Technician (Light or Sound)

Operating under the direction of the Technical Management Team, a Theatre Technician in Lighting or Sound will provide support for the construction, rehearsal, presentation and removal of lighting or sound equipment for a live performance.

Crew Member

Production Manager/Assistant

Lighting Programmer

Sound Engineer

Lighting Designer

Stage Management

Dresser

Where do you see yourself?

This apprenticeship equips you with the skills to go onto:

Theatre Technician (Light or Sound)

Crew Member

Production Manager/Assistant

Lighting Programmer

Sound Engineer

Lighting Designer

Stage Management

Dresser

Want to find out more?

Wondering how an apprenticeship can influence your future? If you’re considering career paths or seeking practical experience, we’re ready to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your choices and move closer to your ideal career!

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Understanding the industry (terms & relationships)

Health and safety standards including: manual handling, work at height, provision and use of work equipment, construction (design and management), noise, first aid, working hours, electricity at work, fire & emergency procedures, accident reporting and Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment.
Security and control of equipment protocols.
Management structures within a venue, etiquette and culture, including communication protocols and interdependencies of departments.
Relevant industry bodies and their roles e.g. HSE, ABTT, BECTU principles of stage and production management.
Creative venue safety systems.
The history, styles, architecture, terminology and acoustics of creative venues.

Planning

The selection of the correct tools and equipment for tasks such as assembling scenic components and truss and rigging lighting, audio and video equipment.
Computer-aided design – viewing, extracting information and realising specifications from system designs e.g. stage plans, lighting plans and sound schematics.
Environmental and sustainability protocols e.g. correct disposal of different lamp types and electronic equipment, reduction in use of PVC products.
Approaches to problem solving – to achieve the creative team’s requirements within the appropriate venue or production’s resources.
Competently use safety and access equipment e.g. personal and fall protection equipment, ladders, access towers and tallescopes.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts.

Production Processes, Performance & Maintenance

The agreed industry safe working procedure: e.g. The Code of Conduct for Get-ins, Fit-ups and Getouts.
Recognition of production design elements – scenic, lighting, audio and visual e.g. means of scenic construction: timber, metal and textile. The properties of electricity, fixed and temporary electrical systems; theory, practice and safety e.g. to enable portable appliance testing of relevant technical equipment.
The properties of mechanical and electromechanical systems e.g. to enable the assembly and monitoring of hydraulic systems for scenic effect.
Lifting operations; theory and practice e.g. to enable monitoring of a lifting operation in compliance with LOLER such as performer flying.
How to identify potential improvements to systems and procedures to better enable the realisation of the creative team’s vision for the production.
Housekeeping – keeping venue work and storage areas clean, tidy and free from the build-up of waste materials.

To be eligible, applicants must be aged 16 or over, living in England and not taking part in full-time education. If they are already employed, they can start an apprenticeship in their current job to help them progress to a higher level position.

Apprenticeships range from Level 2 to Level 7. The levels and their equivalent qualifications are listed below:

Level 2 = 4 GCSEs

Level 3 = 3 A Levels

Level 4 & 5 = Foundation degree and HNC/D

Level 6 = Bachelor’s Degree

Level 7 = Master’s Degree

Access Industry currently offers apprenticeships up to Level 4, but we continually update available apprenticeships to meet learner needs and industry trends.