Compare roles in health

There are no set entry requirements. Employers expect audiovisual technicians to have experience, which many AV technicians get through voluntary work. This could be through helping with events at school or college or through a youth group or at local community events. By spending time with experienced AV technicians you can pick up the skills and experience you need. It may be possible to gain this sort of experience through a relevant apprenticeship. Although employers do not always ask for qualifications, a relevant qualification may help eg a degree in sound, light and live event technology or audio and visual media, an HND in audio visual technology, a BTEC in creative media. When you join the NHS as an audiovisual technician you will get the training you need including an introduction to the department and the equipment.

AV technicians working in the NHS are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay system. Salaries will vary, depending on the role - please check individual job vacancies for details. As a simulation centre technician, for example, you could be on AfC band 4. With further training and experience, you could apply for more senior positions. Audiovisual technicians in the NHS work standard hours of around 37.5 a week. They may work shifts including early starts and evenings. Terms and conditions will usually be different for AV technicians working outside of the NHS.

AV technicians need to be keen to present events to a high standard, physically fit for lifting, climbing ladders, etc, interested in keeping up to date with technology, able to pay attention to detail and to be flexible and adaptable. They also need good technical skills, problem-solving skills, customer service skills, organisational skills and communication skills.

With experience, AV technicians can become senior technicians, supervising a team of technicians. AV technicians progress by working on larger events and by keeping up to date with new technology and software.