The Institute of Professional Sound (IPS) has announced a series of entry-level training courses (IPS Audio Training, or IPSAT) which start this weekend. Delivered by SOS Technical Editor Hugh Robjohns and Rupert Flindt, Senior Studio Manager for BBC Audio and Music, the courses have been developed in association with Creative Skillset, the UK's Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Media industries.
The aim is to provide audio practitioners in the early stages of their careers with training in the basics of sound engineering in the form of short course modules, designed so that those interested can attend on an ad-hoc basis as required. In today's fragmented freelance world, it can be difficult to receive basic training without signing up for lengthy and expensive courses that do not address the areas people wish to cover, and which concentrate on many areas that freelancers may not require for their day-to-day jobs. The new IPSAT courses are designed to fill the knowledge gap created as the larger broadcasters offer ever less in the way of formal training. It isn’t necessary to sign up to all of the courses; course participants can select the exact mix of modules they wish to attend to enhance their personal skill set.
The first four half-day modules are to be run on Saturday mornings at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield, and will take place over four consecutive weekends starting this weekend (July 12th, 2014). Subsequent courses will be run in various regional centres to ensure that the maximum number of people gain access to the training material.
The first four courses are as follows:
• What is Sound/Microphones 101 (12th July 2014)
• Mic Placement (19th July)
• Anatomy of a Mixer/Levels and Meters (26th July)
• Compression and EQ (2nd Aug)
Subsequent courses are planned to cover many other topics ranging from dialogue editing to mixing a choir.
The modules are written and will be delivered by Hugh Robjohns and Rupert Flindt, both highly experienced and respected practitioners and trainers. Each module is primarily practical in nature, with appropriate classroom learning for each topic, and will be limited to a small number of places, so that the tutors may spend the maximum possible time with individuals. The courses are available to members and non-members of the IPS, at a cost of £48 a session (£40 plus VAT). Bookings can be made on line at ipsat0714.eventbrite.co.uk.
Simon Bishop, Chairman of the IPS, comments "Providing high-quality, affordable training is one of the main objectives of the IPS, and working together with Creative Skillset is enabling us to deliver that objective in an accessible, affordable manner, both for our members and the rest of the audio community. As staff jobs for technicians working in audio for the film, broadcast, and radio sectors become scarcer, and as more workers become self employed, training provided by traditional employers is becoming a rare luxury. The fantastic technical training courses of old, such as those formerly provided by the BBC, are, sadly, unlikely ever to return. I am therefore extremely excited that the IPS, with generous help from Creative Skillset, is able to announce the first four of our Saturday morning training classes, under the banner of ‘IPS Audio Training’. These classes will be short, sharp, and focussed, offering both formal knowledge and practical experience. The IPS feels that the IPSAT courses will complement our other incredibly popular training events such as the annual February Training Weekend, and our longer one-day events."
This scheme is supported by Creative Skillset's Film Skills Fund, which is funded by the National Lottery via the BFI, and through the Skills Investment Fund (SIF).
