FIFTEEN young people have gained an insight into setting up and operating sound and lighting equipment for live events.
They attended a week long course run by the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service and accredited by Open Awards.
Tutor Martin Macfarlane said: ‘During the course participants gained an understanding of different types of sound and lighting equipment, connectors and importance of venue safety.
‘The highlight of the week was taking the young people to see behind the scenes at the Erin Arts Centre, Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre which was a real eye opener for them and I must thank all involved at the venues for hosting us.’
He added: ‘It was a pleasure to work with young people who were so keen to learn new skills and wish to become active in doing something positive for their community.’
Participants built a portfolio to be verified by the Open Awards Qualification and Credit Framework. Successful participants will gain a level one Open Awards Sound and Lighting Technician certification.
DEC principal youth officer Ken Callister said: ‘We had an overwhelming response from young people wanting to take this opportunity and I’m delighted that our young people strive to learn new skills and do something positive during their school holidays.
They will have the opportunity to use their new-found skill as part of the Youth Service’s technical team, which operates sound and lighting equipment for live events.
Previous graduates have helped with community events across the island. Some have taken on paid casual work as part of the Villa Marina’s technical crew and are heading to university to study and work in the industry. Others are helping with school productions and local theatre groups.