TV or film sound technician apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolevolunteeringapplying directlyspecialist training courses
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- sound engineering
- music technology
- media technology
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You could take a college course, to develop your knowledge and skills before looking for a job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Music Technology
- Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sound Engineering
- Level 3 Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a Level 3 apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills. Apprenticeships include:
- broadcast production assistant
- creative venue technician
After finishing your apprenticeship, you could apply for jobs in TV and film. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Work
It's possible to start out as a roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and setting it up. You can then try to pick up the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.
Volunteering
You could look for work experience placements with larger broadcasters like the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
You could also get experience by:
- working on student or community film or radio projects
- setting up or 'rigging' sound equipment for amateur theatre or local bands
- helping out in a recording studio
These are good ways to make contacts, learn new skills and to hear about job opportunities.Direct Application
You could apply directly for jobs but employers will expect you to have a lot of knowledge and experience in sound technology and equipment, and the science of sound.
Other Routes
You could complete a training course with a specialist course provider.
TV or film sound technician apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- persistence and determination
- customer service skills
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
TV or film sound technician apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
On a production sound team, your day-to-day duties may include:
- setting up equipment to suit the acoustics and the sound designer’s instructions
- selecting and placing fixed microphones
- operating the boom (a microphone on a pole, used to get close to the sound source)
- checking sound quality
- recording sound onto digital devices
- servicing and repairing equipment
- playing music or sound effects into a live programme
On a post-production team, your duties may include: - following a sound designer or sound supervisor's instructions
- mixing and balancing speech, effects and background music
- editing speech to fit the action on screen
- creating extra sound effects and adding them into the soundtrack
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.
Career path and progression - TV or film sound technician apprenticeships
You could progress from working for a small, regional company or station to working for a large, national one. You could also move into studio management.