Young Technicians School Program
The Young Technicians’ school scheme started in 2016 with one school at the time. As of March 2020, The Young Technicians’ schools’ scheme had reached 13 different schools and training over 200 students on a weekly basis. The scheme works closely with Performing Arts departments in both primary and secondary schools, sharing backstage knowledge and assisting stage presence skills with performers. On top of this, the Young Technicians will provide the production element of all school performances, bringing industry professional equipment transforming the school hall.
As well as working with performers, The Young Technicians are here for students that are interested in the live events and theatre industry, developing students’ knowledge of the industry and making sure students understand the live events and develop live production skills. The different areas we train in are: sound, lighting, stage management, lasers, pyrotechnics and event management.
As a member of our Schools Scheme, students will be given the opportunity to take on leadership roles within school performances and will be given the chance to work with other Young Technicians students on a wide array of external events and festivals.
The scheme is a great chance for students to explore the behind-the-scenes element of the Performing Arts industry without having to perform on stage. The scheme is suited for any student, performer or not, wanting to learn more about the industries and learn valuable lessons in what it takes to put on a production. As well as production skills, students also learn a wide range of life skills such as teamwork, respect, leadership and building confidence. The scheme integrates these life skills with positive mental health wellbeing to ensure students are safe and healthy as well as enjoying the sessions.
The Young Technicians School scheme team are a dedicated crew, all with industry knowledge and a wide range of experiences both on and off stage. Most of our staff have trained in the industry allowing us to bring students the most up to date knowledge along with the most successful and industry used tips and tricks. The team pride themselves in being able to build a positive professional relationship with students and other members of the Performing Arts departments.
We believe all crew, musicians and actors should be treated equally in a professional manor to produce professional productions and events.
If you work in or know of a school that would be interested in joining our network of schools, please email us at schools@youngtechacademy.co.uk or call our office on 01733 612039.
Abbey College have been working alongside Young Technicians for 2 years now. During that time we have had 4 concerts, an outdoor music festival and 2 large scale school productions of which they have been an integral and crucial part. We have been able to use the technicians for numerous school events such as open evenings, Remembrance services to name a couple. The students in training have been able to help set up for assemblies and are now called upon by staff members within the school for all manner of technical needs.
The Young Technicians have transformed our Performing Arts events from a severely limited technical production to something that has wowed our staff and audiences and encouraged our students to sign up and take part in the training scheme. Prior to the pandemic we had nearly 20 students be a part of Young Technicians, each keen and eager to learn. Our school has been so proud of its tech team that they allow the students their logo’d apparel on event days to show the rest of the school who they are. Our school include the Young Technicians in their school prospectus and their information is now a permanent feature in our transition pack
Sarah Carr
Abbey College Performance and ASCA Music Co-ordinator 2019
Pino and his team of Young Technicians are absolutely amazing! Our students have learnt so much from him and grow in confidence while doing so. The quality of our productions have improved so much since the Young Technicians started working with us three years ago. I would recommend to any school performing arts department. Not only do the students learn the live events industry they also run and operate all of the equipment on show nights!
Hannah Hughes
Subject Lead for Music and Performance, Sawtry Village Academy
I have worked with Pino Soccio, founder of young tech academy for over 10 years; first in my role as Head of music at Sir Harry Smith Community College, and now as a volunteer with Fenland Youth Radio and through Pino’s work at Young Tech academy. We have been delighted to use the Young Tech academy to support our public events at Sir Harry Smith Community College. The have helped us to create events which look and sound high quality and professional. The Young Technicians have supported us with Pantomimes, Christmas shows, Summer concerts and Christingles. We have held events both in school, and at different venues, such as St Mary’s church in Whittlesey; the Young tech academy are flexible in their approach and are have always been happy to work with us to meet our needs. All of the staff and students at Young Tech academy are dedicated to creating impressive, memorable performances through their outstanding technical support. I would recommend Young Tech wholeheartedly
Alison Freeman
Head of Music, Sir Harry Smith Community College, Whittlesey
The pupils have been thoroughly engaged with the Young Technicians course. They been given an opportunity to work with experts in the live sound and lighting industry to develop skills in computing and technology, . The feedback from the pupils has been extremely positive.
Dan Doud
Head of School William de Yaxley C of E Academy