Having joined forces in 2013 as SSE Audio Group, leading audio rental houses SSE Hire and Wigwam Hire have announced a work experience and internship programme to run at LIPA.

Commencing this summer, placements will be offered to selected LIPA students with an interest in live sound from the Sound Technology and Theatre & Performance Technology courses. The programme will be mutually beneficial and will involve working in all technical aspects of the business, both in the warehouse and out on productions.

Among the UK’s leading performing arts higher education institutions, LIPA was established by Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty in 1996 to offer courses in all aspects of performance and the technologies that make performance possible.

LIPA is a prestigious, and well respected performing arts higher education institution with many graduates occupying prominent and influential positions within our industry,’ says Wigwam MD, Spencer Beard. ‘This year, we are offering second year students work experience over the summer vacation. We are also planning to offer year-long paid internships to selected year three graduates, one based at Wigwam in Heywood, one at SSE in Redditch. We already employ as full time members of staff some highly skilled and respected LIPA graduates and we see this partnership as a long-term commitment.’

‘Both courses cover a wide spectrum of sound and theatre technology in the first two years before specialising in a single discipline in the final year,’ says SSE Hire Manager, Dan Bennett, who graduated from LIPA in 2005. ‘The opportunity to gain first-hand experience with SSE or Wigwam will really help those who are looking at live sound in their third year.

‘The internship is an excellent first step on the pro-audio career ladder,’ he adds. ‘SSE and Wigwam are recognised as two of the leading companies in the UK and 12 months’ experience with either on your CV makes you extremely employable in our industry.’

In addition to the work opportunities, SSE and Wigwam are looking to further strengthen their ties with LIPA. SSE and Wigwam staff will be contributing to course content, delivering seminars on technical aspects such as digital audio networking and advising on future course development.

‘To have the opportunity for LIPA to work with SSE and Wigwam is excellent for all parties,’ says LIPA Head of Sound Technology, Jon Thornton. ‘Our students are gaining access to ‘the real world’ of Pro Audio from those that know it best, while SSE Audio is able to work with some of the best up and coming talent within the industry. I’m really looking forward to getting this off the ground and believe it will be successful for many years to come.’