Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship
PMBS HOLDING LIMITED
Berkshire, Dagenham, Iver
Closes in 20 days (Wednesday 27 August 2025)
Posted on 6 August 2025
Contents
Summary
The role of Screen Lighting Technician is about the set-up and use of lighting equipment and associated support infrastructure to create the desired effect for filming a TV show, film, commercial or video.
- Wage
-
£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Creative industries production technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
40 hour week Monday to Friday 08:30 to 17:30. At the warehouse, this will change for secondments later in the apprenticeship.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 18 September 2025
- Duration
-
1 year 9 months
- Positions available
-
2
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
The role of Screen Lighting Technician is about the set up and use of lighting equipment and associated support infrastructure to create the desired effect for filming a TV show, film, commercial or video. Knowledge ranges from distributing power with temporary equipment, safely positioning the lights to create the desired effect, controlling digital lighting with data networks or adjusting the quality of the light with textiles and filters.
The initial stage of this apprenticeship is warehouse-based based where apprentices will learn to select and identify all the types of equipment involved, how to prepare them for use, including PAT tests and function tests, and packaging the equipment for the end client.
The latter stages of the role involve going to the film locations and studio sets to set up the equipment and learn how film-makers use light to create their vision.
There are many soft skills needed, as well as technical skills, from good communication to understanding hierarchy and other departments’ needs.
On completion, a qualified technician will have the option to freelance in this exciting, creative industry.
To help prepare, test and inspect a wide range of rental equipment to a high standard. Assist with company events and outreach programs on locations, working with an experienced crew.
At a stage where sufficient equipment knowledge has been gained, secondments to films or TV projects will be arranged, where the candidate will work alongside professional film crew learning their skills.
Where you'll work
You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
- Mbse Lakeside Road, Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 0EL
- 1 Yewtree Avenue, Dagenham, RM10 7FN
- Pinewood Road, Iver, SL0 0NH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
Training course
Creative industries production technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
- Prepare system specifications and drawings.
- Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
- Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
- Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
- Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
- Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
- Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
- Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
- Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
- Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
- Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
- Prepare written information and reports.
- Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
- Undertake set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under show conditions.
- Operate suspension systems.
- Undertake stage crafts such as basic scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, stage machinery, props, scene changes, knots and terminations.
- Trouble shoot, fault find and carry out basic repairs to creative venue and production systems.
- As directed, inspect, test and maintain creative venue systems and production systems.
- Program and operate production control consoles. Undertake cueing and operation during the live performance or event.
- Trouble shoot, fault find and repair at sub assembly and component level.
- Calibrate equipment and systems to meet production requirements.
- Identify, specify and use components, systems and products applicable for the environment.
- Identify and undertake servicing requirements in line with manufacturer recommendations.
- Achieve effective network connectivity across live event systems.
- Identify required packing space for equipment and for truck packs.
- Prepare and operate lifting and ground rigging equipment.
- Program and operate lighting control systems.
- Assess and monitor power supply systems, installing wiring for practicals and equipment as required.
- Prepare, set and operate lighting equipment to create the desired effect.
- Manipulate and modify lighting, using diffusion materials, filters or reflectors to create the desired effect.
- Adapt lighting to meet short notice creative changes in the production design or script.
- Prepare and operate extra low voltage lighting equipment and systems.
- Identify the dangers and restrictions in the use of battery supplies including charging and mitigate for these.
- Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
- Prepare system specifications and drawings.
- Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
- Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
- Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
- Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
- Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
- Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
- Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
- Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
- Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
- Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
- Prepare written information and reports.
Training schedule
Level 3 Creative Industry Production Technician, Screen Lighting pathway Apprenticeship.
Level 2 Functional Skills where required.
Blended learning.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Desirable qualifications
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
A level 2 Btec qualification in electrical.
About this employer
MBS are leading rental suppliers of Lighting and support equipment to the film and TV industry. We service the largest studios and the biggest films and Hight End TV shows produced by the largest content producers. We offer a range of 6500 products ranging from the lighting heads to cables, power distribution, Data networking kits, grip, stands and supports as well as textiles and consumables. All equipment is cleaned, tested and prepared for rental before despatch to the films and TV shows where I clients rig and use to make the shows, we all watch. We have fantastic industry relationships with al the major producers and second our apprentices onto films at places like Pinewood studios We encourage diversity and foster a welcoming and inclusive work environment.
After this apprenticeship
A career as a Screen Lighting Technician following a successful apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000335939.
Apply now
Closes in 20 days (Wednesday 27 August 2025)
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