Does anyone have information on how to go about becoming a Pyrotechnician

robbie.dub

Hi, I am wondering if anyone would be able to help me. I am a qualified electrician and I have always had a huge interest in pyrotechnics. I have spent endless hours on the internet trying to gather information on how to enter this field of work but have had no luck. I am wondering if anyone could provide me with any information on how I would go about it, or if anyone would know of anybody that would have available positions in your company on which I could gain experience, as an apprentice for example.

I thank you for your time in reading this email and really appreciate any information you can provide.

Regards

Robert Fennelly

derrie

Hi Robbie,

Unfortunately there's no course you can do that'll automatically qualify you - you need a combination of related training, such as safety managment and fire risk assessment and find some on the job experience.

Join the AIST - they'r running a "Practical Pyrotechnics Awareness and Safety" Course soon (in association with my company) it's a good intro and you get some hands on time with the controllers and the materials.

However, it's not very glamorous though 99.9% of the work involves paperwork, writing risk assessments, dealing with licensing, Fire Officers and Gardai - even the simplist theatrical show takes over a month of work in advance (anyone who tells you otherwise isn't legit and doing it by the book) - the fun part only lasts a few seconds. Ireland has some of the strictest pyro regulations in the world and there's bundles of red tape involved for every show.

Hope that didn't come across too negative

D

Hi Derrie,

With Ireland having some of the strictest pyro regulations in the world and bundles of red tape involved for every show, would the training be held internationally in a higher regard than some other countries?