Assistant recording technician
Level 4 · HigherCreative and design 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
An assistant recording technician provides technical support in a recording studio environment, assisting with microphone setup, signal routing, session preparation, and equipment maintenance to facilitate professional audio recording sessions. Apprentices learn the fundamentals of acoustics, audio technology, and session workflow while supporting engineers and producers during recording and mixing. This role can lead to recording engineer, studio manager, or audio producer positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Fundamentals of acoustics, sound physics, and studio design principles
Microphone types, polar patterns, and correct placement techniques
Signal routing, patching, and use of the mixing console
Digital audio workstations and session file management
Studio equipment maintenance and troubleshooting basic faults
Session preparation, communication with artists and producers
Health and safety in a studio environment including hearing protection
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up microphones and DI boxes for recording sessions
Patch and route audio signals through the studio signal chain
Prepare DAW session templates and manage session files
Assist the lead engineer during tracking, overdubs, and mixing
Maintain studio equipment and report faults for repair
Welcome artists and ensure the studio is ready before sessions begin
Back up and archive session files following studio procedures
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.