New AV graduates get a career start at the ICC Sydney

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) managed by ASM Global has activated its Audio Visual (AV) Graduate Programme for the fourth time, with five AV professionals joining the venue’s ranks following completion of their tertiary education courses. ICC Sydney’s AV Graduate Programme 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 AV and production services including audio, lighting, vision, rigging, staging and digital event solutions. ICC Sydney CEO and group director – convention centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy said: “We believe in creating careers, not simply jobs. ICC Sydney has earned a strong reputation for fostering career opportunities through our award winning training and development programmes. Our AV Graduate Programme 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,” Donaghy said. ICC Sydney director of Audio Visual Services, Brian Nash said that previous professional development programmes delivered by the department had nurtured and developed 18 AV professionals and had been beneficial for both the candidates and the venue team alike. “Our AV Graduate Programme 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 programme. In the past we’ve retained 100% of the graduates, progressing them through to casual and permanent roles. “It is through programmes 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,” Nash said. ICC Sydney’s AV Graduate Programme is one of several professional development programmes offered by the AV Services department, including the Professional Growth Traineeship Programme 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. A graduate of ICC Sydney’s 2022 Professional Growth Traineeship Programme, James Burke said of his experience, “The traineeship was incredibly rewarding. It was amazing to train in the many different aspects of AV right under one roof — from audio, vision, lighting, staging and rigging. With this well-rounded exposure, I feel confident in my ability to deliver technical solutions for our clients. I wish our new AV graduates all the best for their participation in the programme.” ICC Sydney team members 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.