retrodan Posted August 5, 2009 Posted August 5, 2009 Having been in the AV industry for a few years (full time venue in-house), the time has come to think about getting training up ready for freelance life (not yet though obviously due to current climate)... After hearing a few different things from freelancing friends, I wonder what everyone recommends for training courses... Everyone seems to have IPAF so thats a must...?Some people have PASMA although I've heard that it is a bit of a waste of time and money, is this true??? Does anyone recommend a rigging course...I've been looking at the 'Rigging for the Entertainment Industry' course run by Total Fabrications in Birmingham...has anyone does this course?! Do you rate it?! Is there any others out there that are worth a look?! Thanks for any feedback you can give!
Chris Adam Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 No training courses are ever a "waste of time". You are bound to take something from them, but they may not have any relevance to what sector you'd like to work in. It all depends on what you intend doing. (I don't mean that to sound patronising, it's just true) If you want to be involved in rigging, check out the info and links on the PLASA website about their national rigging certificate. Very soon this will be the industry standard for checking competence.IPAF is very useful if you are working at heights, but if you are going to be setting up small systems in conference rooms to start with, not much use there. I would recomend it though.If you are using movers, it would be good to do a general maintenance course. Any product specific stuff will depend on what you're using (ie lighting desk, line array etc). Obviously if you are using Pyro, then a pyro course is a must. I'd also say that if you don't drive, learn. It's the most valuable training in securing gigs with companies you haven't worked for before. I'd also suggest that you make a good few contacts before you jump ship from your venue. It'll mean you have to work a few extra hours for a while, but it means you wont be out in the big bad world without contacts.
Simon Lewis Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Everyone seems to have IPAF so thats a must...?Probably - if you need to access stuff at height, and no-one else is going to drive the MEWP. Get the Scissor and Boom ticket though. Some people have PASMA although I've heard that it is a bit of a waste of time and money, is this true???It was quite basic, but useful in its own way. Does anyone recommend a rigging course...I've been looking at the 'Rigging for the Entertainment Industry' course run by Total Fabrications in Birmingham...has anyone does this course?! Do you rate it?! Excellent course, excellent tutor. Google "Chris Higgs" on Amazon and buy his two books (here). Of course, it doesn't make you a rigger... but if you are doing this work make sure you get plenty of hands on training from experienced riggers and and as QMU suggests, consider registering for the PLASA national rigging certificate. Simon
Seano Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 Everyone seems to have IPAF so thats a must...? Other courses/tickets are available, some may offer better value for money. But there are (rare) occasions when people (usu: larger building contractors) insist on IPAF for no particularly good reason. Its easier to have an IPAF ticket than to try to convince them otherwise.As someone already mentioned, at a minimum you want scissor lift and self-propelled boom categories. Unless you're very lucky, the training will be quite rubbish, but it will give you a grounding and you probably do need the ticket. Once you have access to a machine and time to play with it - practice. <_< IPAF is very useful if you are working at heightsOnly if you're using a MEWP. You'll learn *nothing* about work at height in general. I'd also say that if you don't drive, learn. It's the most valuable training in securing gigs with companies you haven't worked for before.Second that. If you passed your test after 1997, you might also find it worth your while to upgrade a bit so you can drive vehicles over 3.5t. Excellent course, excellent tutor. Google "Chris Higgs" on Amazon You can 'Google' things on Amazon now? Wow. Technology moves so fast these days. :** laughs out loud **: Second that also, though the course tutor may not (probably won't be) Chris himself. The other tutors are also excellent.No location in the OP's profile - the same course is also available in Bolton if he's a bit further north.
Simon Lewis Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 You can 'Google' things on Amazon now? Wow. Technology moves so fast these days. <_< You are absolutely right! I should have said 'google' on Amazon (i.e. a synonym for general web searching) rather than 'Google' (i.e. using the Google search engine to obtain information on the Web). Of course Amazon won't necessarily thank me for use of the Google name, Google may issue one of their Cease and Desist letters and all my facts could be made up because they came from Wikipedia... Simon
tr7ster Posted August 6, 2009 Posted August 6, 2009 You can 'Google' things on Amazon now? Wow. Technology moves so fast these days. <_< Not to be too pedantic, but technically you can! I'll get me coat... Ben
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