"The problem with Pit crews is that even within established companies every manager has a slightly different way of doing something, simply because that's the way they've done it for years," suggests Josh O'Riordan, media manager at TSTS.
Accredited as a level 2 award by NCFE it is the first of its kind in the UK. The Level 2 Spectator Events Pit Operator award, that The Security Training School has created, aims to instigate a new standard of practice into the events industry and develop the learner's knowledge, skills and understanding required for working as part of a functional and safe Pit crew. TSTS state that their "main focus for designing and delivering the course has been to massively improve the existing training and practices found within the security industry".
They intend to do so by promoting simple warm up techniques and basic manual handling skills in order to protect those undertaking what is one of the most physically demanding roles at any event. The accumulation of injuries sustained when working in the Pit is becoming increasingly regular, causing companies to battle the consequences of injured staff.
Tommy Michalis, senior trainer at TSTS and long serving veteran of the events industry comments, "We often find when consulting with venues that staff are confused in their job role, believing they are there to protect the stage and equipment from the audience. Although this is a tiny percentage of their role we firmly believe that their focus for the vast majority of the time should be the welfare of the audience members.
"The course covers topics such as customer care and welfare, learning to spot distressed and injured spectators. Ultimately we want to add to the enjoyment of the audience, not treat them like the enemy. In turn this aids the popularity of the venue and its reputation; everyone's a winner."
(Jim Evans)
