Spotlight on Will Gregory, AV & IT Technician - March 2025
How did you come to work at Fitzwilliam College?
After spending over 10 years in the metal finishing industry as an electroplating supervisor and lab technician, I decided it was time for a change. As a lover of all things tech, I decided to do the CompTIA A+ course in the hopes of entering the IT industry.
Over the years I have also been a part of multiple function bands, playing live shows at weddings, birthday parties and charity events. While playing at these events, I was also in charge of the live sound and setting up of all the equipment which gave me the knowledge to take these skills and use them at other events like fashion shows.
When I saw the opening of an AV & IT Technician role at Fitzwilliam College, I thought this was a great opportunity to start my IT career while also bringing in my knowledge of AV equipment.
What part of your job do you like doing the best?
On the IT side of things, I most enjoy learning practical skills and how to use them in the real world after spending my time studying the theoretical side of things.
With the AV, I enjoy the live sound duties while running conferences and events, and knowing that we have upcoming events that will need to be recorded and produced, as I also have experience in producing music, videos and podcasts.
What first got you interested in AV Tech?
My interest in AV tech started when I began attending live shows, which got me excited about events and the technology behind them. Being in function bands, I often took on the role of setting up the sound equipment and managing everything during performances. That hands-on experience made me realize how important sound and visuals are for creating a good atmosphere. It naturally led me to explore AV technology more, and I decided to make it a part of my career.
What does a typical day look like for you on the job of an event with dedicated AV
The usual case would be that my work for an event started long before the actual day. This would include receiving as much information as possible from the client. This allows me to make sure the necessary equipment is ready to go, and if the client has any special requirements, I can do my best to accommodate them.
On the day, I arrive early and get any remaining equipment set up so that when the client arrives, the event can get started quickly and smoothly.
If everything goes according to plan, the rest of the event is me managing microphones and monitoring any recording that is taking place.
What’s a common misconception people have about your role?
“You just turn things on and that’s the job done”. A common misconception about AV techs is that we just turn on equipment and call it a day. In reality, a lot of our work happens well before the event begins. I spend time gathering details from clients to ensure I have everything I need, including any special requests. On the day of the event, I arrive early to set up and fine-tune all the equipment.
Once things kick off, I’m actively managing the sound and visuals, making real-time adjustments and solving any problems that pop up on the fly. It’s all about keeping the event running smoothly and creating the best experience possible.
How do you stay updated on the latest AV technology?
YouTube is of course a great resource for staying up to date with new equipment and trends that are happening within the industry
AV has an active community surrounding it, so there are regular publications, newsletters, and websites which are a great way to stay connected to the community and to keep you updated on the latest gear.
