ICC Sydney has activated its Audio Visual (AV) Graduate Program for the fourth time, with five AV professionals joining the venue’s ranks following completion of tertiary education courses.

The AV Graduate Program supports the next generation of technical professionals to access vocational training and development opportunities.

Through the year-long initiative, the graduates will gain exposure to a calendar of events, live entertainment events, exhibitions and conventions, working across all areas of ICC Sydney’s leading AV and production services including audio, lighting, vision, rigging, staging and digital event solutions.

ICC Sydney chief executive and group director of convention centres at ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy, says the program provides candidates with a unique opportunity to gain experience working in a world class venue with access to industry leaders and professionals to mentor them and provide best practice training as they rotate through each division of the AV department.

Geoff says: “We believe in creating careers, not simply jobs […] Our AV Graduate Program ensures candidates will be mentored by the industry’s leading AV professionals, build on their in-demand skills, and experience working on a diverse range of extraordinary events.”

The program has, so far, developed a total of 18 AV professionals.

ICC Sydney’s director of AV services, Brian Nash, says: “Our AV Graduate Program is an excellent pathway for candidates to gain the best available on the job experience working on complex and creative events, while increasing the likelihood of securing employment at the conclusion of the program. In the past we’ve retained 100% of the graduates, progressing them through to casual and permanent roles. It is through programs such as this that ICC Sydney is future proofing its event delivery services by investing in the next generation of AV technicians while we match the demand from our clients.”

This program is one of several professional development programs offered by the AV Services department, including the Professional Growth Traineeship Program which has recently seen the participation of seven AV trainees, the digital media cadetship and the two-week practicum placement as part of the National Institute of Dramatic Art’s ‘Live Production’ certification.

Team members at ICC Sydney are given the opportunity to participate in over 2,000 courses through the venue’s Academy of Extraordinary, and in conjunction with external providers such as the Australian Institute of Management, International Association of Convention Centres and the Venue Management Association.