Audio-visual technician
Set up and operate the multimedia systems and equipment to make conferences, exhibitions and events successful and exciting.
About the job
What it's like
You would set up and operate the multimedia systems and equipment to make conferences, exhibitions and events successful and exciting.
You'd safely set up multimedia equipment like television screens, microphones and lighting in venues like conference centres, art galleries or schools.
You might set up a slideshow for a college lecture or install complex systems for a conference or art exhibition.
You'd use a wide range of equipment, including:
Projectors and LCD (liquid crystal display) or plasma screens
Sound systems and video conferencing equipment
Video and still cameras
Image editing software
Lighting and control rigs
You would:
Set up the equipment
Test equipment before an event
Find and deal with any faults on site
Operate equipment during rehearsals and the event itself
Check and service the equipment
Assess a venue's audio-visual (AV) equipment and recommend or organise upgrades
Buy new equipment and agree prices with suppliers
You'd help non-technical people to use the equipment and manage a booking system for it.
With experience, you might move into project management, where you would meet clients and design AV systems to meet their needs.
Along with having excellent technical skills you'd need to follow the health and safety rules for working with electrical equipment.
Hours
You would normally work 35 to 40 hours a week. Conference and exhibition work will often include evenings and weekends, and some school or college jobs may be during term-time only.
Environment
Most of your work would be indoors, and may involve some lifting and carrying of heavy equipment.
Travel
You would often spend time travelling between jobs, for example when working at different conference locations.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- lighting design
- rigging
- live streaming
- technical management
- textiles
- warehousing
- video production
- technical issues
- audio-visual technology
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- innovative
- resourceful
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Media
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
Foundation Apprenticeship: Creative and Digital Media
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
To get into this job you would need:
a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) and/or a degree (SCQF level 9/10)
Modern Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (SCQF level 6/7)
To enter an Audio Visual Technologies or Engineering Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 7) requires National 4/5 qualifications, a minimum of two Highers and a portfolio
To study a degree (SCQF level 9/10) requires a minimum of four Highers at B or above, or a relevant HN qualifications.
There are no set entry requirements to enter this job. However, candidates must have an understanding and appreciation of different technologies.
Candidates should be hard-working, with a good attitude, strong communication and IT skills, and a good understanding of what it takes to work their way up in the creative industries.
They must also be passionate, able to work in teams, and confident enough to network and confidently market their personal skills and achievements.
Skills for Work in Creative & Digital (SCQF level 4) can offer a useful introduction to the industry.
Qualifications in creative media production, audio production, multimedia, digital media, sound technologies, IT or electronics are useful for this career.
Some employers value the portable appliance testing (PAT) qualification so you can test and inspect small, portable electrical appliances. InfoComm offers professional accreditation through its Certified Technologies Specialist program which is internationally recognised within the AV industry.
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