The Level 2 qualification is designed for new entrants to industry, providing them with the basic skills and experience they require for designing and working on fixed wiring systems.

Note, on construction sites or in domestic installations, Level 2 does not allow lone, or unsupervised working on electrical systems. 

The Level 3 qualification is aimed at those who have already completed the Level 2 qualification or has some relevant experience and knowledge of the electrical installation industry. 

As of January 2024, this qualification is not available to technicians working within the Film & TV industry due to the on-site practical sign off requirements of the scheme.  

With an emphasis on "learning by doing" rather than competance, 2330 pts 2&3 were designed to provide opportunities for candidates to gain accreditation for their individual level of understanding relevant to the appropriate NVQ.

With the introduction of T levels, C&G no longer accredit 2330, but 3rd party providers still list courses on their websites

Members of the LTECH Branch have been working for nearly two decades to reinstate industry specific training and accreditation for Lighting Technicians in the screen industries sectors of Feature film, TV Drama and Commercials.

In Autumn of 2023, the Institute for Apprenticeships,  section of the Department for Education (DfE), approved the inclusion of a Screen Lighting Technician in the Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship Standard.

The standard shares similar core knowledge with Live Event Technicians (LVT) and Creative Venue Technicians (CVT), but content and delivery is tailored for the specific sector. The Screen Lighting Technician (SLT) syllabus will be specific to Lighting Technicians in Feature film, TV Drama and Commercials and will be delivered by career teachers and working practitioners under the apprenticeship banner.

The first cohort of candidates started their journey in February 2025, and following a period of time in the warehouse, will spend time on set, under supervision, to gain verifiable practical experience before taking a final exam and being certified as a Screen Lighting Technician,

With that milestone complete, ScreenSkills are focusing to partner with an accreditation body, who will handle assessing, examining and certifying these new recruits when they finish their training in Q1 of 2027

See our Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship page for more details

Members may also receive privileged updates via the LTECH Branch SMS system, and Bectu Branch mail 

Work has recently started on a qualification that will greatly benefit electrical safety across all sectors of entertainment who use BS7909 regulations to manage Temporary Electrical Systems.

Although not expected to be made available until Q4 2025, it has the potential to embed someone with electrical knowledge into the production side of a Film, TV or Commercials project to look after electrical safety in offices and workshops, as well as unit bases, crowd changing and locations.

This role could take on PAT testing duties for the entire production, not just those that come to set, as well as arranging or even undertaking Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) on buildings used as sets etc.

Our Training Rep is a member of that committee and will report its progress back to the branch at the quarterly meetings.

The following list is of qualifications that are no longer available to take, but as the only industry specific way of proving competence, any technician with these awards working today may be considered to be experienced, having sat them over a decade ago.

City & Guilds 1840 Film & TV Electrical Technician - Last delivered 2004

NVQ Lighting Operation Level 3 (Lighting Technician) - Last delivered 2013

NVQ Lighting Operation Level 4 (Gaffer) - Last delivered 2013

 BS7671 is the UK Requirements for Electrical Installations, or Code of Practice. 

Following the Codes of Practice ensures compliance with the Law outlined in the Electricity at Work Regulations, EAWR, 1989 and subsequently the Health and Safety at Work Act, HASAWA, 1974 

The focus of the BS7671 course is to ensure candidates understand the wiring regulations, (currently 18th Edition) where to find them in the book and how to apply these in the real world. Especially useful when dealing with organisations outside the Screen Industry, such as construction and mines, but also within the industry where attaching to permanent supplies is required and advice on "Real World" practices in relation to the script.

BS7671 is usually updated or amended every 2-5 years, and there are multiple in person and online training providers.

BS7909 is the Code of Practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes, and an extension of section 7 of the UK’s Electrical wiring code, BS7671. 

A BS7909 awareness course and its accreditation is not a stand alone method of proving competence, but is one of the tools that can be used by a Producer to aid selecting an appropriately competent and experienced technician/electrician for the role of SPR.

More info on the Sparksbranch BS7909 Page including SPR suitability and appropriate training.

Due to the flexible working hours and varying locations we visit, it is highly advantageous to have a driving license and a car to open up greater work opportunities.  UK minimum age for a learners licence is 17.

At work, you may also be able to drive car derived vans and pick-up trucks, however there may be restrictions on age due to production insurance providers/underwriters policy. 

If driving a production vehicle or should you need to hire a vehicle, you will need to obtain a driver code

Before you Drive, check your legal obligations - https://www.gov.uk/legal-obligations-drivers-riders

Depending on your role, you may be asked to drive a panel or luton van as part of your duties.

Ensure your license covers this, fill out the Productions Driver Form and share your license code if required.

Be especially mindful of the equipment you are carrying, it it very easy to overload 3.5T Vans.

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-a-van

Any Commercial Vehicle over 3.5T requires a the driver to use a Tachograph and undertake 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years to keep their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

Many lighting suppliers operate a fleet of HGVs for the purpose of transporting lighting equipment and truck mounted generators to where it is needed for the rig or the shoot, which historically, were driven by Sparks as part of their duties, although more recently, trucks are delivered to set or moved using "Swing Drivers".

However, there are still some occasions where a Spark will be asked to drive an HGV, particularly on Commercials. In these cases the Driving Hours and tachograph rules must be strictly adhered to.

Obtaining an HGV License and CPC can be a large financial outlay, however, it is a very transferrable skill outside our industry, particularly good for picking up agency work in quiet periods, such as Global Pandemics and Industry shut downs. 

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/become-lorry-bus-driver

Learn about tachograph rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/drivers-hours-goods-vehicles/2-great-britain-domestic-rules

Learn about Driver CPC: https://www.gov.uk/driver-cpc-training

The date you passed your car test will dictate the weight of trailer you can pull without getting a towing licence.

Before 1 January 1997

If marked on your licence, you can drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg.

After 1 January 1997

You can tow a trailer with a weight up to 3,500kg

If you need to tow a heavier trailer, you can apply for a towing Licence

Note, any Vehicle+Trailer combination over 3.5T driven for paid work is subject to tachograph laws - see HGV section

Check if you need a licence to tow here - https://www.gov.uk/towing-rules

MEWP encompasses a range of different types of machines used for working at heights and completing jobs that would otherwise be extremely difficult or unsafe without an elevated platform. Our department uses them for both access and, with assistance from our colleagues in the rigging or construction department, to mount lighting equipment in, on, to or under the platform, with tube, truss or other fixing systems.

To safely operate machines, you should hold a valid licence and comply with the company policies on working at height and with such machines, who are legally responsible under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

See more info on our Pickers Page including any discounts afforded by union membership.

NOTE: The Machine Operator is responsible for machine safety. They will monitor placement, basket position and weather, and may restrict usage, or stow the machine, as they deem necessary.

If using a Picker/MEWP as a rigging platform, a competent Film & TV Rigger is required to build any structure fitted to the machine. 

Forklifts and Telehandlers are used by our department not only to lift and move equipment, but also to rig and hang equipment from to light, or shade a scene, and like MEWP, is covered by both the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, (often abbreviated to PUWER), and the The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER regulations)  that place duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment, including lifting apparatus.

Both sets of regs highlight the importance of training and proving competence of the operator, usually in the form of a licence.

NOTE: The Machine Operator is responsible for machine safety. They will monitor placement, reach position and weather, and may restrict usage, or stow the machine, as they deem necessary.

If using a Telehandler as a rigging platform, a competent Film & TV Rigger is required to build any  structure fitted to the machine/forks. 

In essence, we are all self employed freelancers, engaged on short term contracts. Here's a few things you will need to consider

Understanding Contracts - see Contracts Page

IR35 - see IR35 Page

Accountant - Choose a firm/individual who understands the business 

Record keeping and accounts - Speak to your accountant about software and HMRC "Make Tax Digital (MTD)

Limited Company / Service Company - Consider setting up your own internal PAYE Scheme.

Inform HMRC of your employment status - Tax office and National Insurance is not as joined up as you may think.

End of Year Tax return & NI - open a separate account and put a little aside to pay your tax bill off.

Items to have in your bag  - " * " denotes frequently supplied by production, but it may be useful to have your own.

Sturdy Footwear

Gloves *

Weatherproofs

Hi Viz jacket *

Hard Hats *

Harness - Some newer pickers have sensors to halt operation until a harness is clipped in.

Everyone has a preference, or a favourite. Here are a few options to start you off... only you decide when to stop!

Utility Knife

Multitool ( Leatherman / Gerber etc.)

Insulated Screwdrivers

Insulated Cutters

Voltmeter

Plug in loop tester

Torch

Sharpie

NOTE - It is illegal to carry most knives, including multitools, in public without a ‘good reason’. Do not wear these on your belt to & from work