STEM

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist training courses

University

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

For 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/

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 Extended Diploma in Creative Digital Media Production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For 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

Apprenticeship

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

For 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

Work

It's possible to start out as a roadie, loading and unloading sound equipment, and setting it up. You may then be able to learn some of the skills you need from experienced sound technicians.

Volunteering and work experience

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.

More information

Further information

You can get more advice about careers and training in sound for TV and film from:ScreenSkills; BBC; Get Into Film

You can find out more about creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

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.

You can get more advice about careers and training in sound for TV and film from ScreenSkills and the BBC Academy.

Click here to find out more about being a Sound Technician.