Britannia Row Celebrates Live Sound Training Launch

	Gonçalo Lopes (graduate), Barry Bartlett (course director), Mike Lowe (director), Bryan Grant (managing director), Matthias Postel (managing director, Britannia Row Productions Training), Jamie Burgess (graduate).

The official launch of the Britannia Row Productions' Training Center was celebrated with an event following the completion of the first live sound technology course.

The party was attended by representatives of partners from the industry and the education sector, as well as press and tutors involved in the course. The organizers were particularly pleased to welcome the mayor of Wandsworth, Cllr Angela Graham.

The occasion of the successful completion of the first live sound technology course run at the center was highlighted in speeches along with the achievements of successful trainees who were running the live sound of the evening.

Britannia Row Productions director Mike Lowe reflected on the nature of live sound work: "It is a vocation and to my mind, cries out for vocational guidance and training from within industry." He highlighted Britannia Row's support for trainees by saying: "We can open many doors. We are passionate about following through with our trainees. Their ongoing success is our success."

Course director Barry Bartlett explained the rationale behind the curriculum and course structure: "Industry relevance has been our priority in the design of this course, providing trainees with the core skills required to take up entry-level positions within the industry. Also, its 12-week duration gives our trainees a realistic picture of the pressures and work loads experienced in the live sound environment."

Britannia Row Productions training managing director Matthias Postel emphasized the need for this initiative: "Professional live sound deserves dedicated training. The training and education landscape does otherwise not offer adequate, industry-based opportunities for young people to learn this specific trade."

This event also provided the opportunity to announce the first recipient of the unique placement guarantee offered by Britannia Row Productions Training. As the best performing graduate from the course Gonçalo Lopes was offered a 12-month paid position with Britannia Row Productions as a valuable stepping stone in his future career as a live sound technician.