Britannia Row Productions new TRAINING Ltd recently opened the doors of its training center in Wandsworth, London, currently hosting the first group of trainees from England, Scotland, Portugal and the U.S. for the Live Sound Technology Course.
The intensive full-time, 3-month program is the first of its kind and has been designed to address skill shortages in live sound, providing trainees with the knowledge required to take up immediate employment as sound technicians in the industry.
TRAINING managing director Matthias Postel explains, “Britannia Row Productions, the live sound company behind BRP TRAINING, along with other companies and venues, have been disillusioned with the level of knowledge that new entrants have in this sector. There are limited opportunities to train for live sound and existing courses have little practical or industry input.
“We know what it takes to produce world class audio for live events and we know what technical, creative and personal skills are necessary for the successful sound technician. As well as receiving full core technical training in all aspects of live sound, our trainees will be versed in such aspects as health and safety, show procedures, customs documentation and even how to set up as and be in business as a freelancer for those who may chose that path in the future.”
Course director Barry Bartlett and his colleagues at Britannia Row Productions have designed and written the curriculum content, drawn from the Company’s own apprenticeship program. It integrates practice and theory and is being delivered by leading professionals in the industry.
Tutoring takes place in a 200-square-meter space at the training center supplemented by visits at live gigs. The main teaching space is equipped with a variety of consoles, loudspeakers, amplifiers and power distribution systems, monitors, microphones, multi-track play-back, radio systems, analysis equipment and predictor programs. There’s also a stage area with drums, keyboards and guitars. A work room is equipped with everything from soldering irons to bench test equipment.
The Live Sound Technology Course is supported by L-Acoustics, Yamaha, Midas, Shure, and Turbosound, as well as Blackout, which has worked on the room acoustics.
Qualifying trainees at the end of each course will be awarded a certificate in Live Sound Technology. The top trainee from each intake is guaranteed the offer of 12 months paid work with Britannia Row Productions.
The next Live Sound Technology Course is slated for the beginning of October, 2013, at a cost of £6000 (including VAT).
Britannia Row Productions is serving approximately 500 shows and events this summer, including as the sound company for the current Robbie Williams and Depeche Mode stadium tours. Last summer, Britannia Row handled sound reinforcement for H.M. Queen Elizabeth ll’s Diamond Jubilee Concert and worked on the 2012 London Olympic Games.
