International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has activated its Audio Visual (AV) Graduate Program for the fourth time, with five AV professionals joining the venue’s ranks following the completion of their tertiary education courses.

Part of a raft of learning opportunities at ICC Sydney, the AV Graduate Program, supports the next generation of technical professionals to access unparalleled 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 leading 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 the program provided candidates with a unique opportunity to gain experience working in a world-class venue with access to industry leaders and professionals to mentor them and give the best practice training as they rotate through each division of the Audio Visual department.

“We believe in creating careers, not simply jobs. As an employer of choice, ICC Sydney has earned a strong reputation for fostering career opportunities through our award-winning training and development programs. The AV Graduate Program ensures candidates will be mentored by the industry’s leading AV professionals, build on our in-demand skills, and experience working on a diverse range of extraordinary events,” Geoff Donaghy said.

ICC Sydney Director of Audio Visual Services Brian Nash said that previous professional development programs delivered by the department had nurtured and developed 18 AV professionals and benefitted both the candidates and the venue team.

“Our AV Graduate Program 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 after the program. We’ve retained 100 per cent of the graduates in the past, progressing them to casual and permanent roles. Through programs such as this, 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,” Mr Nash said.

ICC Sydney’s AV Graduate Program is one of several professional development programs offered by the AV Services department, including the Professional Growth Traineeship Program, 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 Program, 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. This well-rounded exposure makes me confident in delivering technical solutions for our clients. I wish our new AV graduates all the best for participating in the program.” ICC Sydney is committed to investing in professional development. Team members can participate in over 2,000 courses through the venue’s Academy of Extraordinary and with external providers such as the Australian Institute of Management, the International Association of Convention Centres and the Venue Management Association.