Aztec Event Services has welcomed its newest apprentice, 19 year old Gary Clarkson, to the fold, bringing its apprenticeship scheme into its third successful year.
Gary, who has a keen interest in audio production, opted for the apprenticeship because, as he put it, “this was a chance to start working with professional AV systems and equipment, and get a foothold in an industry that I’d like to work in.”
Gary, who plays in a rock band, has only served two and half months of his apprenticeship so far, but as Steve Colesell, Aztec’s operations director and manager of the apprenticeship scheme, said “Gary has definitely hit the ground running and settled in really well. His positive attitude and thirst for knowledge are just what an Aztec apprentice needs, I have no doubt he will flourish with the support of his trainer and the whole team here.”
Aztec’s apprenticeship framework will see Gary working in the warehouse, supporting the technicians checking equipment in and out, but he has already had a brief taste of working on-site. “Working in the field was a real buzz, and definitely the most exciting part of my apprenticeship so far,” said Gary.
Gary will be using his time getting to know the Aztec system and getting to grips with the vast array of audiovisual equipment, with occasional visits on-site shadowing Aztec’s technicians as they set up, configure and operate AV equipment at a variety of events. Gary will simultaneously be studying for his NVQ Level Two diploma in Events and Live promotion, following a syllabus set up and refined by Aztec.
Finding that existing qualifications were not well suited to Aztec’s core AV business, the company collaborated with NVQ training providers to create a tailor made syllabus in Events and Live Promotion. This qualification gives new apprentices a flying start in the industry, whether they chose to stay with Aztec or not. Aztec provides all its apprentices with generous study time and support during their studies.
Steve Colesell added, “Our apprenticeship scheme is an increasingly valuable route to finding the people we need, and over the last three years we’ve worked hard to established it as a successful pathway for conveying young talent into the company. I’m proud of what the apprentices have achieved so far, and our firm commitment to the scheme means we will be continuing to develop and refine the programme in the future.”
