TV or film sound technician

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• sound engineering
• music technology
• media technology
• electrical or electronic engineering

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could take a college course to develop your knowledge and skills before looking for a position as a sound trainee.

Courses include:

• music technology
• sound engineering
• creative digital media production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You could start training in this job by applying for an apprenticeship that covers sound engineering skills.

Apprenticeships include:

• Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3
• Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Level 3
• Audio Visual Technician Level 5

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

It's possible to start out as an assistant roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and helping to set it up. This would allow you to learn some of the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.

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, local bands and smaller festivals
• helping out in a recording studio

These are good ways to make contacts, learn new skills and to hear about job opportunities.

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.

You could complete a training course with a specialist course provider.

Career Tips

As a trainee, it's important to be well organised and and have good time management skills to be on set or location when required.

You'll also need to be adaptable, able to deal with background sound distractions and be willing to ask questions in order to learn quickly.

Further Information

You can get more advice about careers and training for TV and film from:

• ScreenSkills
• BBC
• Get Into Film

As a sound technician in production, you could:

• set up equipment following a sound designer’s instructions
• select and place fixed microphones
• operate a boom microphone to get close to the sound source
• check the sound quality
• record sound to digital devices
• maintain, service and repair equipment
• play music or sound effects into a live programme

In post-production, you could:

• mix and balance speech, effects and background music
• edit speech to match the action on screen
• create extra sound effects and add them into the soundtrack

You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.