Lighting is at the heart of every great film, TV series, or commercial. Without the right lighting, even the best set design or performance won’t look its best. If you’ve ever been fascinated by the behind-the-scenes magic of the screen, a Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship could be your perfect first step into the industry.
At Access Industry, we help you turn that passion for film, TV, and live production into a hands-on career with real earning potential, nationally recognised qualifications, and progression opportunities.
What is a Screen Lighting Technician?
A Screen Lighting Technician brings the director’s vision to life. Whether working with cutting-edge LED screens in virtual production or traditional film and TV lighting rigs, they are responsible for ensuring every shot is perfectly lit.
This is a career for people who love being hands-on, solving problems, and working as part of a creative team. You’ll need technical skills, physical energy, and the ability to stay cool under pressure, but the reward is seeing your work up on the big screen.
What Does a Screen Lighting Technician Do?
Screen lighting technicians are the unsung heroes of the film and television production world. They work closely with the director of photography and the gaffer to ensure every shot is lit perfectly, creating the right atmosphere and mood for the story.
Day-to-day tasks might include:
- Setting up and rigging lights on set or location
- Adjusting angles, filters, and intensity to achieve the desired look
- Ensuring all equipment is safe and working correctly
- Collaborating with other departments, like camera and sound
- Troubleshooting technical issues quickly and efficiently
If you enjoy practical, hands-on work, problem-solving, and being part of a creative team, this could be a career where you thrive.
Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship, Your First Step
The Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship is a Level 3 programme that combines on-the-job training with classroom-based learning. This means you earn a wage while gaining real work experience on professional productions.
You’ll learn:
- The science of light and how it shapes storytelling
- Safe rigging and handling of lighting equipment
- Electrical theory and industry-standard safety protocols
- How to work effectively with camera crews and production teams
- Time management and communication skills are crucial for a successful life.
This mix of technical skills and practical experience makes you job-ready from day one.
Screen Lighting Technician Work Experience
One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is that it doubles as work experience. You won’t just learn in a classroom, you’ll work on real sets and locations, gaining experience that future employers value.
This experience gives you:
- Confidence in professional environments
- A network of industry contacts
- A strong CV from the start of your career
How Much Can A Lighting Technician Get Paid?
Like many creative roles, pay can vary depending on experience and the type of production.
- Apprenticeships: You’ll earn at least the national apprenticeship minimum wage (often more with good employers).
- Qualified technicians: Once trained, screen lighting technicians can earn £150–£250+ per day as freelancers, with rates increasing as you gain experience and specialise.
Working on large-scale productions, such as feature films or high-end TV dramas, can lead to even higher earning potential.
What Screen Lighting Technician Qualifications Do You Need
The great news is you don’t need a long list of formal qualifications to get started. Most employers look for:
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English (or a willingness to achieve these during your apprenticeship)
- A strong interest in film, TV, or live production
- A willingness to work flexible hours (shoot days can be long!)
- Good teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
If you bring passion, commitment, and a can-do attitude, this apprenticeship can open the door to an exciting career in the screen and production industry.
However, some employers prefer you to have a Level 2 Electrical qualification.
Progression Opportunities
A Lighting Technician Apprenticeship is just the start. With experience, you could progress to roles such as:
- Best Boy/Lighting Assistant – coordinating lighting crews
- Gaffer – head of the lighting department
- Director of Photography – leading the overall visual look of the production
There are also opportunities to work internationally, join major film productions, or even move into related areas like stage lighting or live events.
Why Choose Access Industry
Choosing Access Industry means choosing more than just a course; it’s choosing a launchpad for your career.
We work with employers across the screen industry to ensure our training is relevant, up-to-date, and gets you where you want to go. You’ll receive:
- Hands-on training that mirrors industry practice
- Support to gain your maths and English qualifications if needed
- A clear career pathway into higher roles and specialisms
- Mentoring and guidance from industry professionals
Ready to Step Into the Spotlight?
The screen industry needs skilled lighting technicians, and you could be one of them. The Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship is your chance to break into this exciting world, gain valuable work experience, and build a career you’re proud of.
Take the first step today, explore our apprenticeship programme and visit our latest vacancies to see the apprenticeship roles we have available.
