PRG UK Announces New Government-backed Live Event Technician Apprenticeship Standards

UK – In an effort to support the future growth and success of the live events industry, Production Resource Group (PRG) in the UK has announced its participation in the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Trailblazer scheme.

The UK Government has committed to delivering three million apprenticeships by 2020, and is giving employers a greater say in designing high quality apprenticeships which meet the needs of their respective industries.

Trailblazer groups create the Standards which become the blueprints for apprenticeships.

PRG has taken the lead on the Standard for the new Live Event Technician apprenticeship, and has been supported by AdLib Solutions, Britannia Row Productions, Entec Sound & Light, Fineline Lighting, Hawthorn, HSL Group, LS Live, Neg Earth Lighting, Nitelites, Skan PA, SSE Audio, XL Video, Wigwam Acoustics, and White Light in creating the Standards for this new apprenticeship.

The group has also had substantial involvement from Andy Lenthall, general manager of the Production Services Association (PSA), who has been central in bringing together all the companies involved, and in helping to write the Standard.

This Standard has been approved and the next step is the creation of the Assessment Plan which will detail the high level end-point assessment methods to ensure apprentices are fully competent in their job, on completion of their apprenticeship.

In addition, PRG are one of the supporting companies for the Live Event Rigger apprenticeship, which has also been approved and announced by the Government.

“We believe that it is very important to support new talent coming into our industry, and our involvement in the creation of Standards for these apprenticeships confirms our commitment to training new Live Event Technicians and Riggers to the highest standard,” said John McEvoy, PRG’s UK head of production.

“We want to give young people entering our industry the best possible foundation to enable them to develop long-term careers in live events, and to contribute to the future growth of our industry.”

Skills Minister Nick Boles said: “Businesses are better placed than anyone to train the next generation of workers and will help us deliver three million high-quality apprenticeships by 2020. By designing apprenticeships, employers like Production Resource Group are ensuring that young talented people develop the skills needed to progress up the career ladder and help drive businesses forward.”