Audiovisual technician

Key information

  1. Reference: OCC0940
  2. Date updated: 29/09/2022
  3. Level: 5
  4. Route: Creative and design
  5. Regulated occupation: No

Details of the occupational standard

Information Symbol

Higher Technical Qualification

Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are designed to be delivered within a course of education. Some Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours may be more safely and reliably delivered in workplace settings, so may not be fully covered by the HTQ. Some qualifications will deliver additional content or added depth and breadth through, for example, use of specialist learning environments, work placements or innovative teaching methods. Check with the qualification provider if you require further information on coverage.

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in a multitude of sectors including but not limited to: videoconferencing and online events, academic institutions, banks, law firms, insurance providers, financial service providers, government agencies, hospitals, software developers, galleries, museums, and other live event spaces/venues. Audiovisual (AV) professionals are employed in fixed ‘site-specific’ roles (institutions, event spaces, offices, meeting rooms) and on ‘touring’ events in venues of various sizes requiring AV infrastructure (from small clubs to stadiums). Some of this work is carried out at height. The Audiovisual industry is forecast to be worth $230 billion by 2023 (The Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association).

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide a broad range of professional solutions for communication including videoconferencing, hybrid in-person/online events, sound, lighting, projection, and computer networking by planning, installing, configuring, and operating hardware and software. AV hardware includes audio mixing desks, video cameras, public address systems, display screens, projectors, wireless microphone systems, recording devices, lighting systems, encoders/decoders, and network switchers. AV software includes videoconferencing platforms, digital audio workstations, video editors, media servers, sound-reinforcement design/control, lighting design/control, and computer networking tools. Integrated AV involves the combination, design, and system control of the hardware/software specified above to meet unique specifications. Depending on the context, a range of working patterns are applicable including standard office hours and shift work.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with other members of their own team, and in the course of their normal duties will interact with their line manager, senior management, potential and confirmed clients (internal/external to the employer), event organisers, public speakers, performers, AV support teams, external contractors, personal assistants, and company directors/CEO’s.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible, under minimal supervision, for design, setup, and delivery of audiovisual provision in accordance with the specifications of internal and external stakeholders. Depending on the core business of their employer these activities might be focussed on time-based events (online, in-person, and hybrid) or permanent communication systems. All of the above activity requires systematic project management skills, an evaluative approach, and the ability to synthesise client requirements, project specifications, and budget. Employees are responsible for determining the best course of action and implementing theoretical/technical knowledge in order bring projects to fruition. Additionally they are responsible for upholding institutional/national health and safety guidelines, meeting specific client requirements on time, and responding to change requests (late or otherwise) in a professional manner.

Typical job titles include:

Audiovisual Technician Audiovisual Internal Event Technician Audiovisual Support Technician Collaboration and Audiovisual Experience Technician Lighting and Audiovisual Technician

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs
Duty 1 Design, install, and operate a wide range of audiovisual equipment configurations including, but not limited to: audio mixing desks, video cameras, public address systems, display screens, projectors, wireless microphone systems, recording devices, and lighting systems
K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K17 K28 K30 K31
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S7 S8 S28
B1 B2 B3 B9 B10
Duty 2 Provide unguided support and technical management of events.
K2 K3 K4 K6 K7 K8 K17 K30 K31
S5 S6 S7 S18
B1 B2 B3 B5 B7 B9 B10
Duty 3 Work collaboratively with, and facilitate communication between, performers, public speakers, presenters, clients, event organisers, support teams, external contractors, management, and any other stakeholders.
K11
S6 S7 S8 S9 S18 S28
B2 B4 B5 B7 B10
Duty 4 Advise and guide customers on requirements for a range of permanent/time-limited scenarios, manage expectations and resolve complaints.
K10 K11 K12 K17 K28 K30 K31
S6 S7 S8 S9 S18
B1 B2 B4 B5 B7 B9 B10
Duty 5 Design integrated audiovisual systems in line with customer requirements and the project environment.
K1 K3 K4 K6 K7 K10 K11 K12 K13 K14 K17 K28 K30 K31
S6 S7 S8 S9 S28
B1 B3 B4
Duty 6 Plan, install, and configure AV over IP systems.
K1 K10 K12 K14 K17
S6 S10 S28
B1 B3
Duty 7 Coordinate and conduct videoconferencing setup and testing, ensure optimal performance and adherence to required specifications.
K3 K15 K16 K17 K28
S6 S7 S11
B2 B3 B9
Duty 8 Install and/or support the use of personal computers, servers, and digital signage.
K19 K28 K30 K31
S6 S10
B1 B3
Duty 9 Capture, edit, and post-produce audio and video content.
K1 K3 K4 K5 K9 K10 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K30 K31
S3 S6 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16
B1 B3
Duty 10 Plan and manage virtual events/online broadcasts.
K3 K10 K11 K15 K17 K18 K26 K27 K28 K29
S6 S7 S8 S17 S18 S28
B2 B3 B5 B7 B9 B10
Duty 11 Analyse the design, planning and execution of services offered via testing and customer feedback: diagnose issues, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend improvements.
K10 K11 K17 K28 K29 K30
S6 S7 S28
B3 B4 B6 B7 B10
Duty 12 Plan, develop, and provide technical training for inexperienced end users.
K10 K17 K19 K28 K30
S7 S9 S19 S28
B1 B3 B5 B7 B9
Duty 13 Use research and development to inform personal professional development activity and enhance knowledge and skills.
K11
S7 S20 S21
B3 B8 B10
Duty 14 Perform administration duties pertaining to a range of events requiring audiovisual services e.g. logging requests, updating meeting/event calendars, tracking and updating project progress, producing purchase orders, processing invoices, and managing e-mail communications.
K11
S7 S22
B4 B7
Duty 15 Conduct risk assessments and produce accompanying documentation.
K30 K31
S7 S23 S24
B1 B9
Duty 16 Maintain audiovisual equipment and an associated inventory in a variety of spaces: ensure systems are event-ready and meet specific requirements.
K19 K30
S6 S10 S22 S25 S26
B1 B2 B3 B9 B10
Duty 17 Ensure that all audiovisual spaces and stores are kept orderly and presentable.
K30
S27
B1 B2 B10
×

Required knowledge

    Required skill

      Required behaviour

        KSBs

        Knowledge

        K1: Connection of audio system components, signal flow and conversion Back to Duty

        K2: Methods of configuring and testing wireless microphones and what are common issues and adequate problem solving techniques Back to Duty

        K3: The impact of microphone placement and room acoustics on an audio signal Back to Duty

        K4: Audio mixing desk routing and operation Back to Duty

        K5: Digital Audio Workstation fundamental operations Back to Duty

        K6: Unmanaged audio mixing scenarios Back to Duty

        K7: Lighting design and fixtures/controller connections Back to Duty

        K8: Synchronisation of video signals for multi-camera setups Back to Duty

        K9: Principals of photography for moving image Back to Duty

        K10: Appropriate audiovisual equipment and/or applications for a given brief Back to Duty

        K11: Project management principles: planning, change, budgets, and documentation Back to Duty

        K12: Integrated audiovisual solutions for specific requirements Back to Duty

        K13: How to use CAD drawings when designing systems Back to Duty

        K14: AV over IP concepts and operation: servers, digital signage, channel distribution, and access Back to Duty

        K15: Awareness of the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of videoconferencing systems and platforms Back to Duty

        K16: Videoconferencing booking systems Back to Duty

        K17: Redundancy and backup systems relevant to the project Back to Duty

        K18: Hardware/software configurations for streaming online audiovisual content Back to Duty

        K19: Installation/configuration of personal computers and common computer operating systems general functionality Back to Duty

        K20: Project mastering Back to Duty

        K21: Designation of video resolutions, frame rates, and output options Back to Duty

        K22: Video compression and decompression through codec and bitrate workflows Back to Duty

        K23: Required workflows for online and offline edits utilising a media server Back to Duty

        K24: Designation of sampling rate, bit depth, and channel options Back to Duty

        K25: Audio deliverables within the context of a specific project Back to Duty

        K26: Different types of online events, their requirements and key considerations Back to Duty

        K27: Interactive solutions for online events Back to Duty

        K28: Audiovisual accessibility considerations and systems Back to Duty

        K29: Personal data management in accordance with relevant data protection legislation Back to Duty

        K30: National, employer, and context specific health and safety regulations Back to Duty

        K31: Potential hazards and preventative measures Back to Duty

        Skills

        S1: Operate a video camera and vision mixer Back to Duty

        S2: Integrate a projector and/or display as part of an audiovisual presentation Back to Duty

        S3: Audio mixing; loudness, timbre, spatialisation, and channel management Back to Duty

        S4: Apply and problem solve video signal flow for live production Back to Duty

        S5: Operate and program lighting control software/hardware Back to Duty

        S6: Root cause analysis & problem solving Back to Duty

        S7: Collate, compare, and synthesise information from various sources Back to Duty

        S8: Work collaboratively; Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders (such as performers, public speakers, presenters, clients and event organisers) Back to Duty

        S9: Communicate technical concepts with clarity in person and in writing to end users of all skill levels and seniority Back to Duty

        S10: Install, test, and commission relevant hardware Back to Duty

        S11: Configure and manage remote participation systems Back to Duty

        S12: Edit audio and video content Back to Duty

        S13: Prepare, maintain, and manipulate audio and video assets through post-production Back to Duty

        S14: Create digital assets for video workflows Back to Duty

        S15: Manual camera operating for a range of contemporary S35mm digital cameras Back to Duty

        S16: Audio capture Back to Duty

        S17: Deliver virtual event technical operations Back to Duty

        S18: Clearly advise and guide event participants Back to Duty

        S19: Devise a learning program intended to cover a particular device/system Back to Duty

        S20: Identify personal training and professional development needs via research and investigation Back to Duty

        S21: Organise appropriate personal professional development activities to develop and enhance own role and skills Back to Duty

        S22: Use collaborative online environments to schedule and update projects and tasks Back to Duty

        S23: Complete risk assessment documentation Back to Duty

        S24: Accurately assesses level of risk to health and safety of themselves and others Back to Duty

        S25: Test and maintain audiovisual equipment, cables, and connectors: substitute items where necessary Back to Duty

        S26: Document and record maintenance activities Back to Duty

        S27: Safe storage of equipment Back to Duty

        S28: Create a coherent planning document Back to Duty

        Behaviours

        B1: Think and act independently and safely whilst working within company guidelines Back to Duty

        B2: Work calmly and methodically in time-sensitive situations Back to Duty

        B3: Reference user manuals and manufacturer guidance Back to Duty

        B4: Awareness of the importance of regular contact, when appropriate, to offer updated information and documentation Back to Duty

        B5: Able to modify personal approach based on the situation Back to Duty

        B6: Challenges approaches to work in a constructive manner Back to Duty

        B7: Confident & effective communicator Back to Duty

        B8: Online researcher of new equipment and training opportunities, communicate with professionals and organisations to prioritise personal training goals and activities Back to Duty

        B9: Well prepared, anticipates issues ahead of time Back to Duty

        B10: Take initiative e.g. seek the source of an issue of own accord and take necessary action Back to Duty

        Foundation Degree in Audiovisual Technology

        Awarding body: The Open University

        Qualification type: HTQ Qualification level: 5 Qualification approved: 16/11/2023

        FdA Live Performance Technical Production

        Awarding body: NCG

        Qualification type: HTQ Qualification level: 5 Qualification approved: 16/11/2023
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