Funding confirmed for UK’s first AV apprenticeship standard

Government funding has today been confirmed for the AV Technician Apprenticeship, the UK’s first national AV level 5 higher, apprenticeship standard.

The standard is designed to attract and foster new AV technical talent to design, install and manage AV installations and experiences for the fast-growing AV industry.

The national apprenticeship standard has been developed over five years by Middlesbrough College, which launched the UK’s first AV Technology degree in 2018 in collaboration with more than 30 AV employers and an AVIXA representative.

Middlesbrough College is the training provider for the apprenticeship standard, which provides part-time online training, covering a broad range of AV skills including AV capture, computer networking, post production and online events. Apprentices will spend around 20% of their time on training, and can be based anywhere in the country.

The apprenticeship standard is validated by the Institute of Apprentices and Technical Education and delivered through an Open University validated foundation degree. As a result, apprentices will gain a Foundation Degree in addition to their apprenticeship qualifications.

AVIXA has confirmed that the level 5 technician apprenticeship standard aligns with its certified technician specialist certification.

Jack Laidlaw, programme director and AVIXA Foundation Board director, has been involved from day one in the development of the apprenticeship standard to address the “acute need for skilled AV technicians in this broad and vitally important sector that is growing every year.”

“It’s fantastic news for the industry,” says Graeme Massey, managing director at AV recruitment specialist, JacobsMassey, “and couldn’t come at a better time. With demand often outstripping supply, we need to ensure we attract and nurture the skills and talent the industry needs.”

Any company interested to learn more about offering an apprenticeship should contact Jack Laidlaw at J.Laidlaw@mbro.ac.uk.