Lighting technician
Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting for concerts, conferences and theatre, and on film and TV productions.
Also known as: Gaffer
- Typical hours42 to 44 a week
What you'll do
As a lighting technician, you could:
- follow a lighting designer's installation plans
- carry out risk assessments for health and safety purposes
- plan where to run cables and place lights at film locations
- help to set up and check equipment
- take cues from the stage manager in theatre or floor manager in TV
- work with a director of photography on films to create a particular look
- program and operate manual and computer-controlled lighting systems
- take down equipment after shows or filming
Working environment
You could work at a film studio, on a film set, at events, in a theatre or at a TV studio.
Your working environment may be hot, outdoors some of the time, at height and you may spend nights away from home.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- practical skills for installing equipment
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a lighting technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- broadcasters' training schemes
- specialist courses run by private training providers
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- performing arts (production)
- lighting design
- lighting and performance technology
- technical theatre
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
College
You could complete a college course to give you some of the skills and knowledge needed in this role.
Subjects include:
- production arts - technical theatre
- electrical installation
- 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
Apprenticeship
You may be able to start as a trainee in this job by applying for an apprenticeship, such as:
- Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Installation and Maintenance Electrician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship
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
Work
You could qualify as an electrician and then get practical experience in production lighting, with a stage company.
Volunteering
You can look for volunteering experience with:
- lighting equipment hire companies
- theatres or concert venues
- amateur theatre
- student or community film projects
You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge .
Other routes
You may be able to get training through one of the new entrant training schemes offered by broadcasters. For example:
- BBC Careers
- Channel 4 Production Training Scheme
- ITV Careers
You could also take short courses in production skills run by film schools, regional screen agencies and private training providers.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could work on more complex lighting set-ups at events, or move into lighting design.
You might also specialise in areas like electrical safety, inspection and testing, pyrotechnics or rigging.
Career tips
It's a good idea to build up a portfolio of your work so you can show potential employers. This could be on social media, showcasing productions you've worked on.
Pay for lighting technicians can vary, depending on where you work and the type of contract you have. For example, if you're on a tour or production, you might be paid a weekly rate. If you're employed by a venue, you may receive an annual salary.
Guides for this industry
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