Factory Academy Course

Factory Academy X Rochdale GM's Town of Culture: Event Ready

Apply now
A technician working backstage at the Johnny Marr performance, managing live concert footage on computers.
Date
2 - 6 Feb 2026
Venue
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG
Apply now

Apply for our free five-day accelerated training course for aspiring theatre and venue technicians – for Rochdale residents

Event Ready: Accelerated Training for Theatre and Venue Technicians is a five-day course designed to take you on a journey into the heart of the performance events industry, ignite your passion and propel you towards a thriving career. Dive headfirst into a comprehensive curriculum that equips you with the essential skills, knowledge and hands-on experience needed to excel in this exhilarating field.

What will I gain?

From gaining knowledge of the basics of sound, lighting and production fundamentals to a keen awareness of safety protocols, you will emerge confident with the new skills you have learnt ready to take on the challenge of working in events.

Understand the industry vocabulary, working methods and gaining insight into diverse career pathways. You will hone your communications skills, ensuring that you are able to understand and collaborate with the teams around you.

You will receive hands-on work experience at Middleton Arena and elevate your CV, making you event ready for your future career.

There will also be placements and shadowing opportunities at the end of the course to gain hands-on experience at partner events.

Watch

Who can apply?

This round of Event Ready is delivered in partnership with Rochdale Development Agency, Your Trust Rochdale, Sound Roots and Middleton Arena. To be eligible for a place on this course you must live in the Rochdale Borough and be over 18 and able to commit to 5 days of training between Mon 2 Feb and Fri 6 Feb.

We are actively seeking individuals who bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds to the event technician role. We are looking for people who may never have previously considered a career in this industry before.

We welcome applications from individuals who may not traditionally be represented in the event technician community, including but not limited to women, people from Black and Global Majority backgrounds, individuals from LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with disabilities.

It's important that candidates have the physical capability to meet the demands of the role, including the ability to lift and carry equipment, work in physically demanding environments, and adapt to unsocial hours as required by event schedules.

We believe that a diverse team enriches our creative environment, fosters innovation, and enhances our ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply and join us in shaping the future of event production.

FAQs

How much does it cost?

This course is free to attend.

Rochdale Borough residents are eligible to apply for a bursary of £400 for completing the 5-day course.

Is the course full-time?

Yes, the course is full time.

Key dates

Applications open: Tuesday 16 December 2025

Application deadline: Friday 30 January 2026

Course dates: Monday 2 February – Friday 6 February 2026

How to apply

Click the link below to submit your application form.

Got any questions? Contact us by email at factoryacademy@factoryinternational.org.

Supported by

  • Rochdale Development Agency

    Logo for Rochdale Development Agency
  • Rochdale Town of Culture

    Black and white logo for Rochdale Town of Culture
  • Rochdale Borough Council

    Black and white logo for Rochdale Borough Council

This course is part of Rochdale’s Place Partnership project, funded by ACE and part of their year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture.