UK - The Association of British Theatre Technicians has announced the launch of its one-day Automation Foundation CPD Course and ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians, adding to its already diverse training programme.
The new one-day ABTT Automation Foundation CPD is an entry-level course designed and created to introduce attendees to this sector of the industry, giving them an understanding of the key components and applications for automation within theatre and live events, as well as an understanding of how automation teams operate.
This continuous professional development (CPD) course gives the candidate something to show future employers or training providers, demonstrating that they have invested time and know the rudimentary basics of automation.
It will also enable attendees to progress on to the ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians, an SQF Level 8 qualification which combines theory and practice to boost practical skills and knowledge in the specialist area of the Theatre Automation Technician.
The ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians is the second step in the ABTT’s professional development courses for automation and will be delivered over five days. Key information covered will include the application and use of automation, systems and components, team communication and operations, system operations and show operations. At the end of the Silver Award, candidates will be able to demonstrate a theoretical and practical understanding of the key specialist requirements of a Theatre Automation Technician, including the relevant health and safety legislations and associated approved Codes of Practice.
The ABTT chose to develop these courses following a clear need in the industry to provide a structured career path and formal skills development for automation. The content and framework began development at the end of 2023 with ongoing support and review from peers within the industry and has been in continuous development since.
The goal is to create an entry point into automation and standardised practice for those that are looking towards a career in this sector, as well as assisting those looking to widen their knowledge of systems within live entertainment to support their own specialism. The courses have also been developed with other departments in mind, ensuring candidates are aware of how automation may interact with other sections of the industry such as stage management, lighting, stage crew, projection and more, giving them context for how automation fits into the wider industry.
Alex Hitchcock and Gavin Wells, directors of Resolution Production Services have played a key role in the development of the content of both training courses.
Gavin Wells comments: “The two new ABTT automation training courses are filling a very big gap in currently available industry training. By providing a clear route into automation and helping candidates develop formal skills, these courses will aid in creating new entrants and developing the workforce in the automation sector. I am very much looking forward to their launch and are enormously grateful for the ABTT for pursuing the development of training in this key area of industry.”
The first pilot ABTT Automation Foundation CPD Course is running on Monday 14 April at The Backstage Centre, Purfleet for £285+VAT for up to 10 candidates, so if you are interested in attending, please contact admin@abtt.org.uk.
The ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians is currently scheduled to be piloted in July as part of the ABTT’s annual Summer School where training will also be available for theatre technicians, theatre electricians, sound technicians, stage technicians and pyrotechnicians. The ABTT Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians will be available for £1,019+VAT for the full five-day course. Confirmation on the exact date and location of the Silver Award will be released shortly.
ABTT CEO, Liz Sillett said: “The ABTT strives to ensure that we offer training which allows participants to engage with all disciplines of our industry. By developing the Automation Foundation Course and Silver Award for Theatre Automation Technicians we are continuing to broaden the opportunities that our candidates will have to move into jobs backstage in theatre and live events.”
