Why not follow your passion for technology and become an audio visual engineer. There is a growing need throughout Australia for qualified and experienced AV technicians. It’s a wonderful industry to become involved in, and the financial rewards can be quite substantial.
Also, many AV technicians work on a freelance basis, so if you are looking for a home based role this could be idea. For AV engineers who have gained knowledge across a broad range of systems the opportunities for contract work are numerous, and the potential for domestic and international travel are almost guarantees if the skills are developed to a high enough level.
So how does someone become an audio visual engineer. Let’s look at what you need to do:
Education – Some AV technician learn as they earn. There are companies which hire non-skilled employees then gradually teach them the various skills required for the particular needs of the company. However, most potential employees need to have at least some prior knowledge of electronics or sound technology.
The best way to enter the industry is through studying a relevant technical subject, Traditional courses like electrical engineering are useful, but many training providers offer specific courses in AV technology. The development of imaging and sound, camera techniques, lighting and framing, as well as data transfers and computer networking, makes for a very diverse and fascinating course of study. Most AV technicians go on to become lifelong learners of their trade, as the technology in the industry seems to advance at a rapid rate.
There are short courses available for students who just want a basic level of competence before entering the industry or there are much longer BSc courses available which can take many years to complete. There are also distance learning options available for those who want to study from home. This is a great option for people who may already have a job and can’t commit the time needed for full-time study.
Experience – After completing a training course there will be a much better chance of securing a role in the industry. However, the chances of walking into an AV role straightaway are slim. Most companies, like MAV – Melbourne Audio Visual, will require you to know about the specific tasks and equipment which they use. You will be expected to learn a lot of technique which may have only been briefly covered while training. Apprenticeships and entry level positions are probably the most likely route into a company. These roles are often less well paid, but they provide a great opportunity to learn skills while still being paid. After a few years of familiarisation it is likely that a new entrant will be promoted to a more technical position. With time this can lead to management or supervisory roles. However, many technicians are more interested in working in the field than working in management. Once the skills have been developed it is likely an engineer will want to maintain this knowledge. Most professional AV technicians are aware of how highly prized their skills are, and they are reluctant to lose their professional edge.