Music students get ahead through industry connections

For over 20 years, IJS has provided high-end audio, lighting, staging, led screens and backline installations for major festivals and live concerts, allowing TAFE Queensland Diploma of Music (Sound Production) (CUA50820) students to gain work experience while studying.

“We created the internship program with Music and Production Teacher Heath Storrie to allow students to experience real-world live production work,” explained Steve Grimes, General Manager, IJS Productions.

“We believe strongly in giving young people a place to start, providing quality training and equipping them for long-term careers. It’s my passion to provide a pathway for students to enter the production industry.”

Through partnering with IJS Productions, students understand the realities of the industry by working at major events like Gympie Muster and casual employment at IJS while completing their studies. 

“Working on all types of shows gives students a different perspective and allows them to understand the warehouse and logistics side of our industry as they prepare equipment for each event.”

“The scope and detail required is challenging and gives them insights into what their future could look like working within a large production company. It also allows them to determine if this is their career path while they gain valuable industry experience,” continued Steve.

A recent graduate, Ethan Ryan, took full advantage of the work experience and internship program while studying for a Diploma of Music (Sound Production) (CUA50820), which now sees him employed full-time with IJS Productions.

“My class and I worked at the Blues Festival, Blues Broad Beach and Gympie Muster, and each experience was invaluable. I picked up freelance work at other festivals through the opportunities this industry partnership gave me,” Ethan said.

Ethan and his team used their training to ensure each event ran smoothly, with powered stages, microphones and onstage instruments connected to the public address system, providing a quality show at each event, after which they were all offered full-time work with IJS Productions.

“Each student displayed the skills we were looking for, and we employed six graduates full-time, with another three working with us casually. They are progressing quickly as the business grows, with four of them being fast-tracked through intensive audio training to get them on the tools quickly,” Steve said.

“One student has been placed in the Lighting Department and worked both the Caloundra Music Festival and Good Things. Another has been placed into Backline and has already toured with a band and several other gigs. He will also be working his first major festival as a technician this summer.”

While the industry partnership represents an investment in tomorrow’s sound production experts, it also helps students grow their self-confidence and self-awareness and fine-tune their skills to join and stay in the industry.

“TAFE Queensland graduates come to us ready to quickly transition into employment. They’re skilled, enthusiastic to learn, and always up for the next challenge.”

“We add significant value to their training by providing real-world learning opportunities and supporting them to stay in the field so they can become future industry leaders.”

“Former students who worked with us now have jobs touring the world with bands like Crowded House, Parkway Drive, Jungle Giants, Xavier Rudd, Missy Higgins, Hiatus Coyote and Busby Marou.” 

“The experience they gained from this partnership and by working at festivals and events sets them up for long-term, sustainable careers,” concluded Steve