To prepare, build, set up, and operate functioning systems for creative productions.
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.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Practical assessment with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing a set of tasks. It will last 3 hours. They will ask you at least 10 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 29/08/2023 | Not set |
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