Trade jobs dealing with lighting

I'm interested in trades and curious about jobs related to lighting, like installation or repair. What kind of training or qualifications would I need for that?

There is a wide array of trades that directly or indirectly deal with lighting. These careers can be found in electrical work, theatre production, construction, and event planning. Some of the most common trades that involve lighting include electricians, stagehand or theatrical lighting designers, and light fixture designers.

For jobs directly dealing with the installation and repair of lighting systems, becoming an electrician would be the most common route. Typically, becoming an electrician involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on apprenticeship. This process usually takes about 4-5 years. You would start by entering a technical school or community college to learn the basics of electrical work, and then complete an apprenticeship under the guidance of a licensed electrician. After the apprenticeship, you would need to pass a licensure exam to become a fully licensed electrician.

In the entertainment industry, lighting technicians and designers play a crucial role in creating the desired atmosphere and highlighting important parts of the performance. Most theatrical lighting technicians and designers have a background in theatre production, and many pursue a degree in theatre or stage management. However, hands-on experience is highly valued in the industry, so working your way up from an entry-level position can also be a successful pathway.

Experiential designers or architects also work with lighting in the context of creating engaging displays or spaces. These fields typically require some form of design-based degree.

Finally, light fixture designers specifically design lighting instruments for commercial or residential use. This type of work usually requires an understanding of design, optics, and sometimes even electrical work. These designers often have degrees in design, and specialties in lighting can be explored through electives, internships, or post-graduate work.

Every career path will have different requirements on training and qualifications based on the country and state you're in, the specific role you are pursuing, and the company or organization you plan to work for, so it's important to do your specific research based on your location and career goals.