VET

Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services

Technical and Further Education Commission

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in a range of technical production jobs in creative arts industry environments. It applies to work in lighting and sound, music industry, entertainment customer service, entertainment technical operations, entertainment

CareerInsights

Key highlights for VET pathways.

Model making assistantScenic ArtistHead fly operator

Duration

20 weeks

Fees

AU$ 12,300 Annually

Salary

Strong earning potential

Course Description

This qualification reflects the role of individuals working in a range of technical production jobs in creative arts industry environments. It applies to work in lighting and sound, music industry, entertainment customer service, entertainment technical operations, entertainment administration, staging, wardrobe, scenery and set construction, broadcasting production, live production and entertainment technical operations work environments.

They apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources. They may provide leadership and guidance to others and have limited responsibility for the output of others.

The job roles that relate to this qualification may include Pyrotechnician, Head Fly Operator, Fly Operator, Sound Recordist, Community Theatre Centre Worker, Wardrobe Technician, Costume Maker, Sound Technician, Set Maker, Lighting, Audio and Staging Worker, Assistant Stage Manager, Audiovisual Technician, Community Theatre Production Worker, Front of House Worker, Venue Technician, Lighting Technician and Operator, Props Maker, Model Maker, Scenic Artist, Audio Operator, Video Operator, Workshop Technician, Staging Team Leader, Production Coordinator and Show Control Technician. It also provides a pathway to other roles in similar work environments.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification considerations

Electrical work

In some States and Territories of Australia a restricted electrical licence is required. Restricted electrical licences allow a person to carry out electrical work incidental to a trade. Incidental work may include fault-finding on equipment or changing like for like equipment by disconnecting and reconnecting the fixed wiring. It does not include any other changes to the fixed wiring.

National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work

The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work applies to persons performing dogging and rigging work. Completion of the following units is required for certification at either basic, intermediate or advanced levels:

  • CPCCLDG3001 Licence to perform dogging
  • CPCCLRG3001 Licence to perform rigging basic level
  • CPCCLRG3002 Licence to perform rigging intermediate level
  • CPCCLRG4001 Licence to perform rigging advanced level.

National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work

Sets and staging for some performances or events may fall within the definition of construction work. If so, people entering the construction site are required to complete the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction Training for Construction Work (Australian Safety Compensation Council, May 2007). Achievement of the unit 'CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to work safely in the construction industry' from the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package fulfils this requirement.

Pyrotechnics

In some States and Territories of Australia a licence is required to allow a person to plan and operate a fireworks display.

Users are advised to check with the relevant licensing authority for requirements.

Units of competency in qualification

Some individual units of competency may have their own licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements. Users must check individual units of competency for licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements relevant to that unit.

Career Outcomes

Model making assistant

An assistant model maker assists in the production of full size and scale models and high quality models and prototypes for stage sets.

Scenic Artist

Scenic Artists paint or use other techniques to add artwork and design elements to sets constructed for film, television, theatre or other productions. They are skilled artists, who interpret and realise plans of Set Designers in order to create the desired effect.

Head fly operator

The head fly operator is responsible for all rigging and flying of equipment for theatrical productions and assists in the ongoing maintenance of the flying system.

Venue technician

A venue technician sets up, operates and maintains the technical equipment and systems in a theatre, venue or production. They do the fit-ups and get ins, focus the lights, set up the sound, programme the board, run technical rehearsals, run the event or show

Sound Recordist

Sound Recordists use recording equipment and studio audio equipment. They focus on recording music of any genre in a studio and communicating with musicians to develop the desired sound.

Lighting technician and operator

A lighting technician sets up and controls lighting equipment for theatrical, music or other live performances.

Sound Technician

Sound Technicians operate technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound. At elementary levels, they determine the acoustic requirements; set up, test and operate equipment; select microphones; and adjust sound levels. At senior levels, they may mix live sound or work on complex soundtracks.

Props Maker

Props Makers create objects for use in theatre, film and television. They make anything from fake jewellery to replica weapons and moving models, depending on what the script calls for. At senior levels, they may interpret designs, develop and experiment with prop construction methods, and source materials.

Wardrobe Technician

A wardrobe technician assists in the making of costumes, performing semi-skilled custom tailoring and dressmaking tasks. This can include remodelling old costumes and making costume accessories.

Costume Assistant

Costume Assistants carry out costume research, creation, maintenance and preparation duties under the direction of a Costume Designer. They may research designs, alter costumes, fit and dress performers, and assist with continuity.

Front of House Assistant

Front of House Assistants undertake a range of duties, including selling tickets and providing ticket advice, ushering patrons, selling products and services and providing guidance to customers and patrons.

Set Maker

Set Makers prepare and put together sets for live performances, theatre, opera, musical concerts and dance performances, following direction from Workshop Managers or Set Designers.

Community Theatre Centre Assistant

Community Theatre Centre Assistants work in a community theatre centre and undertake a range of scenic art preparation tasks for performances.

Assistant Stage Manager

The assistant stage manager assists the Production stage manager with all of their responsibilities. This includes attending production meetings, running rehearsals, clerical organisation, and ensuring the smooth execution of the performances.

Pyrotechnician

A pyrotechnician is responsible for the safe storage, handling, and functioning of pyrotechnic devices during theatrical, music and other live performances. Pyrotechnics may include explosions, flashes, smoke, flames or fireworks.

Community Theatre Production Assistant

Community Theatre Production Assistants provide the technical support to others involved in community theatre productions.

Lighting, Audio and Staging Assistant

Lighting, Audio and Staging Assistants perform a mix of basic lighting, staging and audio duties in theatre venues.

Costume Maker

Costume Makers make the costumes needed for the film, television and theatre industries. They arrange costume fittings; perform alterations and repairs; and organise storage of costumes during a production.

Audiovisual Technician

Audiovisual Technicians operate the equipment used in the development and delivery of audiovisual presentations.

CRICOS Details

Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services is listed on the official CRICOS register and delivered by Technical and Further Education Commission in 100100 - Performing Arts, n.f.d..

  • CRICOS course code: 114623K
  • Provider: Technical and Further Education Commission
  • Course level: Certificate IV
  • Study level: VET
  • Field of education: 100100 - Performing Arts, n.f.d.
  • National qualification code: CUA40420
  • Dual qualification: No
  • Foundation studies: No
  • Work component: No
  • Course language: English
  • Duration: 20 weeks
  • Locations: ULTIMO, NSW

This overview is compiled from official CRICOS register data. Confirm fees, duration, intake dates, and entry requirements directly with the provider before applying.