Key information

  1. Reference: ST1297
  2. Date updated: 30/08/2023
  3. Level: 3
  4. Route: Creative and design
  5. Regulated occupation: No

This occupational standard has options. This document is currently showing the following option:

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Occupation summary

This occupation is found in creative settings. This ranges from screen production studios, outside locations, entertainment venues and theatres, through to organisations that provide technical solutions for the setup of live, recorded and streamed events. Production technicians work in three main roles; as creative venue technicians, live event technicians or screen lighting technicians. The roles can be venue based or they can be mobile; working across a variety of sites and environments.  Technicians may work across both indoor and outdoor locations. Creative venue technicians play an active role in the technical setup and operation of a variety of established creative venues such as theatres, arts centres, broadcast and film studios. Live event technicians provide technical solutions for live performance and event projects of all sizes across the UK, Europe, and worldwide. The events range from concerts, festivals and theatrical performances through to exhibitions, conferences, product launches, and showcases. Screen lighting technicians provide the lighting and power solutions for film and TV both on location or in studios to enable screen production requirements to be met.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to prepare, build, set up, and operate functioning systems for creative productions; including screen, theatre, live performance and events. These systems can include sound, lighting, power or video. Technicians read, interpret and give appropriate technical information to colleagues and clients. They use a variety of tools to assemble, install and maintain technical and production systems. 

This is a core and options apprenticeship with three options: 

Option 1: Creative venue technician - also known as CVT 

A CVT provides technical support for the construction, rehearsal, presentation and removal of a live performance. They are multi-skilled across a wide range of technical disciplines. They possess a broad level of knowledge relevant to the venue in which they operate. CVTs will be competent in lighting, audio, video and stage systems related to live performance. They apply these competencies to their resident premises and production. They are skilled in stagecraft techniques such as operating stage machinery and performing scene changes. This allows them to set up, rig, operate, maintain and carry out basic repairs of technical equipment used in creative venues. 

Option 2: Live event technician -  also known as LET 

LETs set-up technical equipment for live events and usually specialise in sound, lighting or video. They have knowledge of the equipment used in different environments and will have the ability to calibrate systems. They specify components to deliver high quality outputs across a range of different settings. LETs are responsible for the control, servicing, repair and storage of complex technical equipment. Their specialist knowledge enables them to troubleshoot and repair components and systems at sub assembly level. 

Option 3: Screen lighting technician - also known as SLT

SLTs set-up technical lighting and power equipment systems for film and television productions.  They have knowledge of the equipment used in different environments and will have the ability to set up and de-rig lighting packages either on location or in a studio setup. They will be able to understand the lighting plan and install lighting fixtures to deliver the desired effect across a range of different settings. SLTs are responsible for the control, setup, de-rig and storage of complex technical equipment. Their specialist knowledge enables them to troubleshoot lighting and power solutions on set or on location.

In their daily work, technicians interact with a wide range of partners and collaborators. This may include art departments, camera operators, sound technicians, production team, performers, directors and producers. They may also interact with presenters, audiences, and members of the general public. Although technicians are required to work independently and may be required to support junior colleagues, they usually operate under the direction and supervision of a supervisor or manager.

All technicians will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving processes, ensuring work is accurate and of high quality. In any context working safely and efficiently is paramount. Technicians may be required to work at height.  Many projects are carried out in fast-moving, dynamic workplaces. Technicians may be required to work flexible working hours, weekends and evenings. 

Typical job titles include:

Creative venue technician Film electrician Lighting technician Live event technician Production technician Rigging electrician Site engineers Site technician Sound engineer Sound technician Stage technician Theatre technician Venue technician Video engineer Video technician

Core occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Interpret system specifications for productions, live performance and events. These systems can include sound or lighting or video.

K11 K14 K16

S1 S2 S3 S15

B8

Duty 2 Assemble and configure systems to meet the specification requirements for sound, lighting, power or video.

K6 K7 K9 K10 K15 K16

S4 S13

B1 B4 B6 B7 B9

Duty 3 Test, troubleshoot and maintain equipment and systems.

K12 K13 K15 K17 K18

S5 S7 S12

B5 B6 B7

Duty 4 Collaborate with stakeholders and work with team members.

K2 K3 K19

S8 S9 S10 S15

B2 B3 B7

Duty 5 Operate and maintain technical equipment.

K4 K5 K7 K8 K15

S6 S11 S12

B3 B6 B7

Duty 6 Dynamically risk assess the work environment and situation. Adapt working practices to ensure the safety of self and others.

K1 K8 K15

S11 S12

B3 B6 B7

Duty 7 Disassemble and store technical equipment safely and efficiently at the end of the event, ensuring that the integrity of the components is maintained.

K7 K9 K15

S14

B6 B7 B9

Option duties

Creative Venue Technician (CVT) duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 12 Monitor and operate systems or services relevant to own workplace.

S28 S29

B6 B8

Duty 13 Assemble scenery and staging systems to meet performance requirements.

K11 K27 K28 K30

S3 S23 S25 S26

B5 B6 B8

Duty 14 Carry out live scene changes and operate stage and suspension systems.

Duty 15 Inspect systems or services relevant to own workplace and carry out maintenance, basic repairs, and upkeep.

K26 K29 K30

S10 S24 S25 S27

B1 B2 B6 B7

Live Event Technician (LET) duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 8 Repair complex systems and sub-assemblies at component level.

K8 K20 K21 K23

S16 S17 S19

B1 B5 B6 B8

Duty 9 Utilise lifting and rigging equipment to set up event systems.

K1 K4 K6

S22

B4 B6

Duty 10 Specify equipment and system requirements suitable for the operational environment.

K22 K24

S1 S3 S18 S20 S29

B1 B8

Duty 11 Prepare and pack systems for local or international transportation prior to the event.

K6 K10 K15 K25

S21 S22

B6 B7 B9

Screen Lighting Technician (SLT) duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 16 Transport, prepare and operate lighting systems to include, LED, Discharge and Tungsten fixtures.

K32 K34

S34 S36

Duty 17 Prepare battery and power solutions to run lighting equipment and systems.

K32 K35 K36

S30 S31 S35 S36

Duty 18 Install lighting equipment using accessories and mounting equipment.

K31 K32 K33

S31 S34

Duty 19 Provide lighting to meet the desired effect for productions.

K33 K34 K36

S32 S33 S34

KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Health and safety standards including: manual handling, work at height provision and use of work equipment, construction - design and management, noise, first aid, working time regulations, electricity at work, fire and emergency procedures, accident reporting, HSE guidance on running events safely, personal protective equipment, legal requirements for the maintenance of technical systems. Back to Duty

K2: Typical management structures within the production, performance and events work environment. Etiquette and culture, and interdependencies between departments. Back to Duty

K3: The sub-sectors, relevant industry bodies and their roles in the creative industries such as Production Services Association (PSA), Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), Live Events Network Charter, BECTU, Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA), Association of Studio and Production Equipment Companies (ASPEC), Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT). Back to Duty

K4: Lifting operations; theory and practice. Back to Duty

K5: Security and control of equipment protocols. Back to Duty

K6: Planning processes required to deliver a production, live performance or event and the importance of eliminating errors. Back to Duty

K7: Principles used to select the correct tools and equipment for tasks. Back to Duty

K8: Electricity and temporary electrical supplies; theory, practice and safety. Back to Duty

K9: Stock control, storage, logistics and transportation. Back to Duty

K10: Approaches used to control environmental impact and how these contribute to sustainable management. Back to Duty

K11: Software and tools to view, extract information and realise specifications from system designs. Back to Duty

K12: Principles of systematic and methodical approaches to problem solving. Back to Duty

K13: Methods used to identify potential improvements to systems and procedures. Back to Duty

K14: The use and function of mechanical and electromechanical systems relevant to your workplace such as stage machinery, moving fixtures, safety curtains, powered hoists and winches. Back to Duty

K15: The importance of keeping work and storage areas clean, tidy and free from the build-up of waste materials. Back to Duty

K16: Principles and terminology relating to the set-up of lighting, sound or video systems for live performance and events. Back to Duty

K17: Methods used to prepare, test and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems. Back to Duty

K18: Methods used to troubleshoot and carry out basic repairs to lighting, sound or video equipment and systems. Back to Duty

K19: Different verbal and digital communication methods and how these may be adapted to suit for different stakeholders. Back to Duty

K20: The application of troubleshooting techniques to fault find and repair complex issues at sub assembly and component level. Back to Duty

K21: Procedures to calibrate equipment and systems and the impact this has on the final production. Back to Duty

K22: Venue specific considerations and application of products in different environments such as the scale of the venue, indoor or outdoor productions. Back to Duty

K23: How to identify and undertake service requirements after use - as per manufacturer recommendations. Back to Duty

K24: Network interface and compatibility requirements across live event systems. Back to Duty

K25: Techniques used to identify required packing space for equipment and for truck packs. How to prepare carnets and manifests for shows travelling across customs boarders. Back to Duty

K26: Principles of stage and production management. Back to Duty

K27: Types and styles of performance spaces such as proscenium arch, thrust, traverse, studio, open air and site specific venues and the impact on production design. Back to Duty

K28: History and development of lighting, sound and set design. Back to Duty

K29: The application of troubleshooting techniques to fault find and carry out basic repairs to creative venue systems. Back to Duty

K30: Appreciation of other departmental requirements and production design elements – scenic, lighting, audio and visual. Back to Duty

K31: The key information for installing wiring or temporary wiring for practicals and equipment, including the use of specialty lighting and starting systems and various voltage systems. Back to Duty

K32: The legislation, regulatory requirements and current British standards relevant to assessing and monitoring power supply systems. Back to Duty

K33: How to install and operate electrical distribution systems: multiple phases, balanced loads; and the switch gear loading characteristics on the shoot and the different earthing systems. Back to Duty

K34: The types of lighting effects available, when to use them, and the methods of achieving them, using different lighting fixtures, ancillary equipment and techniques. Back to Duty

K35: Key issues relating to preparing and operating extra low voltage lighting equipment and systems. Back to Duty

K36: How to optimise consistent beam quality, colour temperature and lamp life. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video. Back to Duty

S2: Prepare system specifications and drawings. Back to Duty

S3: Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information. Back to Duty

S4: Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools. Back to Duty

S5: Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment. Back to Duty

S6: Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools. Back to Duty

S7: Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems. Back to Duty

S8: Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience. Back to Duty

S9: Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Back to Duty

S10: Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience. Back to Duty

S11: Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes. Back to Duty

S12: Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use. Back to Duty

S13: Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification. Back to Duty

S14: Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely. Back to Duty

S15: Prepare written information and reports. Back to Duty

S16: Trouble shoot, fault find and repair at sub assembly and component level. Back to Duty

S17: Calibrate equipment and systems to meet production requirements. Back to Duty

S18: Identify, specify and use components, systems and products applicable for the environment. Back to Duty

S19: Identify and undertake servicing requirements in line with manufacturer recommendations. Back to Duty

S20: Achieve effective network connectivity across live event systems. Back to Duty

S21: Identify required packing space for equipment and for truck packs. Back to Duty

S22: Prepare and operate lifting and ground rigging equipment. Back to Duty

S23: Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols. Back to Duty

S24: Undertake set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under show conditions. Back to Duty

S25: Operate suspension systems. Back to Duty

S26: Undertake stage crafts such as basic scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, stage machinery, props, scene changes, knots and terminations. Back to Duty

S27: Trouble shoot, fault find and carry out basic repairs to creative venue and production systems. Back to Duty

S28: As directed, inspect, test and maintain creative venue systems and production systems. Back to Duty

S29: Program and operate production control consoles. Undertake cueing and operation during the live performance or event. Back to Duty

S30: Program and operate lighting control systems. Back to Duty

S31: Assess and monitor power supply systems, installing wiring for practicals and equipment as required. Back to Duty

S32: Prepare, set and operate lighting equipment to create the desired effect. Back to Duty

S33: Manipulate and modify lighting, using diffusion materials, filters or reflectors to create the desired effect. Back to Duty

S34: Adapt lighting to meet short notice creative changes in the production design or script. Back to Duty

S35: Prepare and operate extra low voltage lighting equipment and systems. Back to Duty

S36: Identify the dangers and restrictions in the use of battery supplies including charging and mitigate for these. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Adopts a flexible approach and is adaptable to change. Back to Duty

B2: Punctual, reliable and personally responsible. Back to Duty

B3: Team-focused, respectful of others and works and communicates effectively with stakeholders. Back to Duty

B4: Self-motivated with a positive and disciplined approach to work. Takes ownership of work and personal responsibility for timely delivery. Back to Duty

B5: Committed to achieving clear goals and ambitions and to continuously improve and develop. Back to Duty

B6: Puts safety first for themselves and others. Back to Duty

B7: Remains calm and safe when exposed to time pressures or deadlines. Back to Duty

B8: Proactively identifies solutions and keeps up to date with industry best practice. Back to Duty

B9: Takes personal responsibility for sustainable outcomes in how they carry out the duties of their role by reference to environmental good practice. Back to Duty

T Level in media, broadcast and production

Qualification type: T Level

Qualification level: 3

Awarding organisation: Pearson

Approval date: 07/03/2024

Available from: 01/01/0001

Occupational specialism: Events and venues technician

Product page

Aligned occupational standards

ST1297 Creative industries production technician

Options: Creative Venue Technician (CVT) , Live Event Technician (LET) , Screen Lighting Technician (SLT)

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