Case studies: Lighting technician: James

Relevant experience is invaluable when applying for a job in this area so it's important to try and get any experience you can, even if it's unpaid.

I was interested in developing a career in theatre lighting but my degree course was a sandwich course with the BBC and it was this experience that really helped me when I was ready to apply for a full-time job.The degree gave me a good solid grounding in electrical theory but the job also requires many practical skills too. The degree was relevant but not essential to do the job and much of my development has taken place in the course of my day-to-day work.

It's not easy to get in to a lighting technician role in this industry but it's easier to move to a job you want to do once you are in. Relevant experience is invaluable when applying for a job in this area, as it demonstrates your interest in and commitment to pursuing a career in this field.

During my day-to-day work, I liaise closely with the electricians who rig the lights and my job is to operate the lighting console which balances the lights and then save this in memory. Picture appreciation is an important skill that takes some time to learn. The most enjoyable aspect of my role is that there's plenty of variety, the opportunity to travel and work at a wide variety of events and even work on jobs that take me overseas. The downside, however, is that it is quite hard to move up the career ladder as opportunities are limited. The hours of work can also be quite long and unsocial.