Competency and talent management for Event production houses: technician grades and trusted crew chiefs
In a production house, trust is the currency. A clear grade system turns it into a record: who can rig, who can run a console, and who is ready to lead a crew.
Not sure what you need? Tell us about your business in six short steps and we will come to the first meeting prepared.
Share your requirementsWhy competency and talent management matters in event production houses
Crew chiefs know their people. They know who is steady on a truss and who needs watching. But this knowledge lives in their heads and in late night phone calls. A new production manager cannot see it, a day-rate helper cannot earn it, and the best technicians cannot show why they deserve more.
A task-based grade system makes it visible. List what a helper, technician, senior and crew chief may do alone. A senior signs off each task as they watch it done. Over time, the sheet shows where the company depends on one person, who is close to moving up and what training is worth offering.
How to set it up
1. List the tasks for each trade
Rigging, sound, lighting, video, set work and loading. Write tasks in plain words, like rigging a truss or patching a stage box.
2. Set four levels
Helper, technician, senior and crew chief. For each, list tasks they may do alone and tasks they must have checked.
3. Sign off tasks by watching
A senior watches the task and signs the name and date. Tenure alone does not move a person up.
4. Find single points of dependence
Highlight tasks that only one person can do. Choose a second person to learn each over the next months.
5. Use the grades in rostering and pay
Match crew to jobs by grade, and use the same levels in pay discussions. See competency and talent management.
Check these first
Before changing anything, find out what is true today. These take an afternoon and use your own records.
- Count tasks that only one person can do on your crew.
- Ask three technicians what it takes to become a senior and compare answers.
- See how many sign-offs were made in the last six months.
- Check whether the last crew chief promotion was explained by tasks.
GullyHR can do this with you. Read how we approach competency and talent management in general, or share your requirements and we will tell you where to start.
Questions owners ask
Yes, for the helper level at least. A rating after each job and a few signed tasks help you decide who to call first, and give them a reason to stay with you.
Use observable things: shows programmed alone, cue lists delivered on time and fixes during rehearsal. A senior designer should watch and sign, along with feedback from the lead.
Find out why. They may fear competition or lack time. Give them recognition and paid time for teaching, and a role in choosing who is ready.