ECS Approve New Audiovisual Competency Framework

The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) has approved a new overarching competency framework for the Audiovisual and Creative Industries sectors. 

The new framework is the result of collaborative work with trade associations, employers, careers advice bodies, awarding organisations and trailblazer groups across these sectors. It defines baseline competency, outlines career progression and provides a system for evidencing requirements of Building Safety Regulator. 

The frameworks have been grouped into 3 categories:
  

These remain distinct but share entry-level qualifications in relevant T-Level, BTEC or ABBT Bronze courses.  

The largest category within the framework is Creative Industries, which covers roles in screen production studios, outdoor locations, entertainment venues, and theatres. Routes to 3 new ECS cards have been introduced:  
 

The Audiovisual (AV) category refers to professionals providing comprehensive communication solutions including site-specific roles — such as education institutions, event spaces and meeting rooms — and touring roles across venues of varying sizes. Routes to 3 ECS cards have been established:  
 

Ros Wigmore, Business Manager at Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (ISCVE) said: “Over the years, the fragmentation of competence standards across the live events, audio-visual, and related sectors has created inconsistencies that pose challenges for employers, employees and clients alike. By working together to better define and align competence standards, we can not only raise the bar for professional excellence but also ensure the continued growth and reputation of our industries. The use of ECS as a scheme is crucial in ensuring professionals meet recognised standards of competence and safety. The ISCVE is fully committed to supporting initiatives that drive standardisation, clarify qualification pathways, and promote safer, more efficient working practices.” 

The third category Broadcast and Media category, encompasses roles in broadcast or operations centers, TV/radio studios, outside broadcast or transmission sites or at customer premises. Routes have been launched to a Broadcast and Media Technician gold card and Broadcast and Media Supervisor black card.  

As part of this collaborative effort ECS worked with the Trailblazer Group for the Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator apprenticeship standard - one of the routes to this ECS Gold card. This Trailblazer group included representatives from ITV, the BBC, Arqiva, Amazon, Blackpool and Fylde College, Gravity Media, and the National Film and Television School (NFTS). 

Steve Teague, previous Head of Technical Services at ITV and Chair of this Trailblazer Group said: “I’m really pleased to have worked through the Level 3 ‘Broadcast & Media Systems Technical Operator apprenticeship standard’ with representatives from industry and training bodies. It was quite a journey, but I know how important it is for our industry experts to be part of the process to keep the standard relevant. It’s equally important for prospective trainees, as well as training institutes, to know that they use this standard approach.” 

Andy Reakes, Chief Operating Officer for JIB and ECS explained “At JIB and ECS, we are committed to supporting the industry in raising the bar for competency and professionalism. By working closely with industry bodies, employers, and awarding organisations, we have ensured that this framework reflects the real-world skills and knowledge required across the sector. The introduction of these ECS cards will provide clear and recognised pathways for professionals at every level—from operatives to senior technicians and managers—helping to standardise qualifications and support career progression. This initiative will not only improve safety and professional standards but also give employers and clients greater confidence in the workforce."

 Access further information on each card individually here.