What Does an Entertainment Industry Power Technician Do?

An Entertainment Industry Power Technician plans, installs, and maintains temporary power distribution systems for use in the entertainment industry, including film, television, live performance, tradeshows and special events.

Job -Related Skills, Interests and Values

utilizing hand tools, power tools, metering, testing devices and accessories
calculating electrical load requirements
planning and hanging temporary power systems
installing and removing set practicals and wiring
planning, selecting, building and maintaining rigs, hoists and lifts
assessing job site conditions and calculating electrical load requirements
utilizing rigging, hoisting and lifting equipment and procedures
scheduling job site materials and equipment
planning, building, maintaining, and disassembling electrical power systems
installing, controlling, and disassembling lighting
managing and maintaining temporary and portable power supply systems

To view the Essential Skills necessary to work as an Entertainment Industry Power Technician, click on the following link: http://srv600.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/esrp/english/general/all_profiles.shtml

What Preparation and Training Do You Need?

To become an apprentice, you need to complete your Grade 12 secondary school diploma or Grade 12 equivalency, preferably with credits in mathematics, English and science. To achieve success in this trade, you should have a good mechanical aptitude and good hands-on skills. You should be able to use many different types of power, pneumatic and hydraulic tools or equipment. Apprenticeship training of 5000 hours via on-the-job training and in-school instruction is recommended for this trade. To complete your apprenticeship you must also complete 480 hours, or 16 weeks of in-school training at an approved training institution. This is arranged by the Apprenticeship Branch consultant once you are registered as an apprentice. Training may be completed by block release (full-time, 4 weeks for each level) or day release (1 day per week - same day each week), or part-time (generally night-school programs). The in-school training for this trade is currently under development, and is anticipated to be available by the fall of 2006.

Entertainment Industry Power Technician is a non-restricted certified trade regulated by the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. Upon successfully completing the program, a person working in this trade is entitled to a Certificate of Apprenticeship and can challenge the trade examination to obtain a Certificate of Qualification.

What’s Your Future as an Entertainment Industry Power Technician?

Entertainment Industry Power Technicians generally work on sets for film, television, stage, live performance, carnivals, special event or tradeshow productions. Entertainment Industry Power Technicians may need to travel to various work sites to perform their duties. Some of these sites may be outdoors. Entertainment Industry Power Technicians usually work a standard 40 hour work week, but this will vary depending on the needs of the production. Career progression within the trade can lead to Supervisory/Management positions.

For additional information about this career check out: http://www.cmg.ca/ - website for the Canadian Media Guild, or the Canadian Film Centre website at www.cdnfilmcentre.com and click on Careers and Industry information.

http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/groups/2241.shtml - HRSDC National Occupations Classification website

Wage Rate

you start at a wage rate that is less than that of a journeyperson
this rate increases gradually as you acquire skills and gain competency

Self-Rating

Ask Yourself: Is Working as an Entertainment Industry Power Technician for You?

Do you have a good mechanical aptitude, good vision and enjoy learning about and fixing different systems and components?	Yes No
Do you have the physical stamina to be on your feet for long hours, working to deadlines, and are you willing to work overtime if required?	Yes No
Are you able to bend, lift, kneel, stoop and crouch?	Yes No
Are you visually able to tell different colours apart?	Yes No
Do you enjoy keeping up with and learning about new technology?	Yes No
Do you take pride in persisting until the job is done safely and just right?	Yes No
Can you communicate effectively as a member of a team?	Yes No