Sound Production students step into the spotlight at Blues on Broadbeach

The hands-on industry placement saw eight students work across four days and nights alongside leading live production company IJS Productions as part of a collaboration between TAFE Queensland, IJS Productions and Experience Gold Coast.

From early-morning bump-ins to late-night pack-downs in torrential rain, the Diploma of Music - Sound Production (CUA50825) students experienced every aspect of live event production in a real-world festival environment.

Students arrived on-site on Thursday morning to assist with a production bump-in before working throughout the entire festival, finishing with the final production bump-out on Sunday night.

After completing safety inductions, students were split into two stages, each mentored directly by industry professionals from IJS Productions.

Throughout the festival, they gained experience in band changeovers, audio system patching, backline and riser movements, front-of-house and monitor mixing, stage management support and live lighting operations.

The placement gave students valuable insight into the scale, pressure and precision required to deliver major live music events.

One student reflected that the level of logistics and organisation required for festivals to appear seamless “cannot be understated”, particularly when working under strict timelines and communicating with a broad range of artists, crew and stakeholders.

For many students, the experience reinforced just how achievable a career in live production can be.

Nathan Coleman, Account Manager for the event at IJS Productions and a former TAFE Queensland student himself, praised the cohort’s professionalism.

“They had great attitudes and work ethic - not a single complaint. Super impressed by them all. Our crew only had good things to say about them,” he said.

The placement was particularly significant as it marked the first major festival experience for TAFE Queensland’s 2026 cohort.

Across both stages, students were mentored by former TAFE Queensland graduates from 2010 to 2023, many of whom now hold senior and junior production roles within IJS Productions.

The strong alumni presence highlighted the close industry connections fostered through TAFE Queensland’s creative industries programs and demonstrated the career pathways available to students entering the live entertainment sector.

Through opportunities like Blues on Broadbeach, students can build practical skills, industry networks and confidence while studying - experiences that help prepare them for careers in Australia’s fast-paced live production industry.

Following the success of the placement, Experience Gold Coast has already confirmed TAFE Queensland student involvement at the upcoming Groundwater Country Music Festival in October.