There is no set entry route to become a roadie but you could get some useful skills from a college course like:

• Level 3 Certificate in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage
• Level 3 Diploma in Sound Engineering
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Technology

You could then try to find a trainee job with an events company. Some employers may prefer you to have experience of live events.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

You could apply to do a Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

These can take around 2 years to complete.

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

People often start by working for free for local bands. This can help you to make contacts that eventually lead you to paid jobs. To get relevant experience you could also:

• work backstage in college or amateur theatre productions
• do casual work at local concert venues, gigs or festivals
• work for equipment hire and supply companies

You may be able to apply direct if you have previous experience of work like:

• electrical installation or electronics
• stagehand
• theatre lighting
• sound production
• music technology

You may be able to do short courses with private training providers for things like:

• rigging
• health and safety
• lighting installation
• working at heights
• operating lifting equipment
• pyrotechnics

You'll need:

• physical skills like lifting, bending and carrying
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• observation and recording skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• be able to cope with working at height

It would be helpful to have a driving licence. You may have an advantage if you have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, which would allow you to drive tour buses and lorries. Fork lift truck training and experience could also be useful.

You could be travelling abroad so it would be useful if you could speak a second language, though it's not essential.

You could:

• lift and carry equipment and sets
• drive, load and unload vans, trailers and tour buses
• act as security for equipment and band members
• set up and look after sound equipment
• install video equipment and screens
• rig up wiring and lighting
• set up firework and laser displays
• tune instruments before and during the show

You could work at a sports arena, at a music venue or from a vehicle.

Your working environment may be physically demanding, noisy, at height, you may spend nights away from home and you'll travel often.