Information Request :: Industry Electricians
Thu, 28 Aug 2003, 10:37 amChris Hocking4 posts in thread
Information Request :: Industry Electricians
Thu, 28 Aug 2003, 10:37 amHi Everyone!
I am in the processing of searching for a licensed Electrician that primarily does work in the Entertainment industry. I am thinking about doing an apprenticeship as an Electrician, but would prefer not to only work on domestic jobs.
I have a strong interest in the industry, and have been involved in Lighting, Sound, AV, General Stage Management, Rigging & Animatronics. Although I am still currently completing my VCE in Melbourne, I have completed several short courses including my CIII in Entertainment (Lighting). I have toured around Australia on several occasions, as well as overseas (specifically, the UK).
Any information you can provide me would be a fantastic asset.
Thank you!
Best Regards, Chris Hocking.
I am in the processing of searching for a licensed Electrician that primarily does work in the Entertainment industry. I am thinking about doing an apprenticeship as an Electrician, but would prefer not to only work on domestic jobs.
I have a strong interest in the industry, and have been involved in Lighting, Sound, AV, General Stage Management, Rigging & Animatronics. Although I am still currently completing my VCE in Melbourne, I have completed several short courses including my CIII in Entertainment (Lighting). I have toured around Australia on several occasions, as well as overseas (specifically, the UK).
Any information you can provide me would be a fantastic asset.
Thank you!
Best Regards, Chris Hocking.
Re: Information Request :: Industry Electricians
Thu, 11 Sept 2003, 11:34 amGÂ’donya Chris!
However there are many different types of Electricians.
Mechanics (Installers), Fitters, Instrument, Winders & Auto. Each carries an endorsement of specific qualifications & Grade class.
In most instances apprentices are indentured to the same type as their Master.
In this state (WA) you can become a Contractor so long as you have an installers endorsement - I have never got used to the Mechanics designation for Installers -as I have yet to understand the term. To my mind a Fitter is more qualified to carry out mechanical electrical work than an installers are, who are known throughout the trade as a ‘Wire Jerkers’ and the only pre-requisites is to have muscles & not be colour blind! This is an easier way of serving your time academically than with being a Fitter.
I would venture to say that 90% of all installation & electrical work that is carried out, on a daily basis, is done by unqualified Technicians & well meaning amateurs.
In most instances the venue will allow work to be carried in the cheapest way & not worry about the risk. Iam afraid if you believe that you can fall back on Electrical work with in the Entertainment Industry - if there is a down turn - it just wonÂ’t happen. You will have to rely on Domestic or Industrial work to survive. In saying that WAAPA is attempting to address this by running a Limited licence's as part of the course for Theatre Technicians.
ItÂ’s always good to have a second string to your bow - but in this Industry, at present, this can work against you - unfortunately if you have a licence it can make it harder to be employed.
IÂ’m not trying to burst your bubble & you may find in the East in the Film Industry - it will works well!
If you are still wanting to be a sparky & are having problems getting an apprenticeship. You can always do a pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE. Employers tend to pick up their apprentices -who have completed a course-because they can have their total indenture time reduced.
Enjoy your trip to England - If you look around the Theatre scene over there - you will find it is much the same. With ‘Pick it up’ Technicians doing unsilenced Electrical work - It’s seems to be the nature of all things electrical in Theatre.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas
Joe