The Arts and Entertainments Technical Training Initiative
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The AETTI exists to provide in-service BTec Qualifications for working technicians.
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The AETTI currently offers three courses, all leading to a Fast-Track BTec Qualification :- 1. Technical Skills in Live Entertainment (TSLE) (a general introduction to all aspects of technical theatre work) 2. Lighting (a more specialised course in theatre lighting and luminaires) 3. Sound (a more specialised course in theatre sound and amplification)
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Upcoming CoursesThe next AETTI courses will be held at The Assembly Rooms, Derby. Please contact 0116 2884009 for full details. Any theatre prepared to host any or all of the courses is asked to contact the same number. The AETTI Course notes and curriculum are also available for hire from the AETTI. Please contact the same number. The AETTI is also working on the mission to produce a Level 3 BTec Qualification which will be partially delivered and assessed online.
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OverviewThe AETTI was founded in 1987. Its name reflects a concern among many that stage technical skills were not being valued enough, resulting in poorer work and probably compromising safety as well. By 1990, the AETTI was recognised by the government as an Industry Lead Body and was given the task of setting Standards for NVQs in Stagecraft. The first NVQs were accredited in 1994. The AETTI joined with City & Guilds to become a Joint Awarding Body for the NVQs. This arrangement continued to the end of 2000. The NVQs have been withdrawn in the expectation of a revised suite, but these are still unavailable. Between 1992 and 1994 the AETTI co-ordinated an EU-funded project involving producing theatres and training providers in the UK, France and Holland. A key outcome was the general recognition that all technicians would benefit from some management skills. 1999 saw the start of another project, again EU-funded, to develop BTec Awards for stage staff. A huge effort completed this, including a pilot course, in nine months. These BTecs are awarded by EdExcel and offered by Loughborough College. Over 250 technicians have now benefited from this training. Because of its quality control responsibilities to the BTec Awards and Loughborough College, the AETTI adopted a new Constitution in 2001. From this point, all members are required to agree to abide by its terms, aims and objectives. An AGM elects a Board of Management. Members are encouraged to contribute to work undertaken by the AETTI. At the end of 2001, the AETTI began a further three year programme with colleagues in Italy, Malta and France. The aim was to agree stage technical competences which can be largely delivered and assessed online for technical staff in each country. By mid 2002 detailed functional analyses of lighting and sound had been completed. The 'knowledge' components suitable for online learning were separated out and work began on a sample of these units with the colleagues from the continent. They are now translated into four languages. A sample of the lighting material was shown at the ABTT Theatre Show in 2004. The AETTI is part of a European bid to fund the completion of these knowledge units which could form part of a Level Three BTec. At present, the AETTI is working on expanding this suite of qualifications to include Stage Techniques, with Wardrobe hovering in the wings. All the qualifications are accredited by EdExcel, one of the major Awarding Bodies in the country. Those that have been in existence for some time have recently gone through a re-accreditation process. The AETTI, as a voluntary association, relies enormously on the goodwill and expertise of its Members. The Qualifications are devised and delivered by professionals who have the relative working experience to offer candidates the best in up-to-date experience. The AETTI is also working on the mission to produce a Level 3 BTec Qualification which will be partially delivered and assessed online. This would have the significant benefit of reducing the amount of time the employee has to spend away from the workplace to gain a qualification and, at the same time, ensure that the candidate undertaking a practical assessment has already passed the theoretical component which sits alongside. This would be the very first online qualification available for theatre technicians in this country. The work has been developed against a detailed functional analysis which has highlighted the knowledge requirements for the various separate functions undertaken by technicians in Lighting and Sound. The AETTI, which has both corporate and individual Members, does rely on the input of the Members to create the qualifications structure. It is extremely fortunate to have had so many active technicians over the years wanting to spend time and become involved in the pivotal business of Training. Such is the strength of feeling and the perceived need for recognised training standards within the industry that AETTI continues to attract new members and grow. In fact none of the current membership were with the organisation when the initiative was first launched. The current Chairman of the AETTI is Peter J Ireson, Head of Service for the Assembly Rooms and Guildhall Theatre in Derby. Peter had arranged for staff at Derby and his previous venue, Bedworth Civic Hall, to undertake the BTec awards and he believes that it is this commitment to training that led to the AETTI approaching him to become chairman. Peter said 'the great strength of the AETTI is the breadth of experience of its members, which includes representatives from venue management such as myself, working technical managers and consultants, representative from the Unions and various Professional organisations. This gives us experience and understanding from all sides of the industry allowing us to produce course material that is as relevant as it is needed". The immediate forthcoming courses will be the Technical Skills in Live Entertainment and the Theatre Sound Rigging and Operation, both to be held at Derby Assembly Rooms in April. In the summer, in August, the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA) runs the Technical Skills in Live Entertainment course as part of its own Summer School at Loughborough University. The AETTI is pleased to have beenpart of two European programmes where the opportunity to meet and work with technicians from Italy, France, Holland and Malta has provided a welcome opportunity to define those areas of our work which are generic and cross national boundaries. The AETTI prides itself on being an independent organisation with its own sources of income. |
The AETTI Chairman Peter Ireson |
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Board Members :
Joe Aveline
Henrietta Branwell : Hon Treasurer
Michael Branwell : Minute Secretary
Kate Elliott (BECTU)
Roger Fox (Theatreplan)
Andy Franks (Colchester Institute)
Nigel Palmer (Assembly Rooms, Derby)
Lincoln Parkhouse (Just FX)
Andy Rouse
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