The Institute of Professional Sound (IPS) has announced a series of entry-level training courses designed to fill the knowledge gap created as larger broadcasters offer less in the way of formal training.

The IPS Audio Training (IPSAT) courses are being developed in association with Creative Skillset, the UK’s Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Media industries 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.

Without the obligation of signing up for a lengthy and expensive training programme, IPSAT courses are to run on Saturday mornings at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield, and will take place over four consecutive weekends beginning on July 12, 2014. Subsequent courses will be run in various regional centres to ensure serve the maximum number of students. Subsequent courses are planned to cover many other topics ranging from dialogue editing to mixing a choir.

Initial courses:

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 time for each topic. The courses are available to members and non-members of the IPS, at a cost of £48 per session (£40 plus VAT).

‘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,’ says IPS Chairman, Simon Bishop. ‘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 focused, 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.’