Lighthouse casual technician Joli Stockley is a graduate of the Young Technicians course. Here, she talks about how formative the experience was in shaping the career she is now pursuing.
What was the experience like of being a trainee technician?
It was definitely a positive experience and also very welcoming. Each day was different, and I loved that.
I liked how much information they gave me and how passionate they were about what they were saying.
What kind of support did you get when you were learning?
Whenever I mentioned I was interested in a specific thing, they gave me more information on it.
For example, I mentioned to the sound guy that I was looking at doing sound for a band, and I told him about the mic that I used and he gave me lots of information on it. I then told the band that and it actually prompted them to change the mic and the way that they do things, all because of what I said.
What was it like when you were learning things like that?
It was very interesting and inspiring. I was thriving off all the passion from them. I’m thinking, yeah, that’s the world I want to be in.
Before you joined the scheme, what was your career ambition?
I wanted to find out which part of the industry I was most interested in working in. I wasn’t sure if I was interested in Sound, Lighting or Stage Management.
I loved that it gave me a taste of all the different toles and actual hands-on experience in each of them. I then came out realising that I really loved Sound.
Would there have been anywhere else you could have done that?
I don’t think I could have found somewhere with the same level of variety. Especially not at my age and at such a good price.
What was it like learning in a real venue?
It was great as it is an actual venue with people in it! It was really interesting seeing all of Lighthouse’s individual facilities and technical equipment.
What’s been the benefit of it since?
It made me really passionate about wanting to pursue a career in Sound.
Since getting my experience I have been looking at what future jobs and courses I could now do.
I’d like to be a sound engineer or a live sound technician, especially on tour!
Interview by John Baker