TWO graduates of a young technicians’ course at Poole’s Lighthouse have joined its team.

Ryan Wheeler and Josh Ord, both 18, both applied for roles as casual technicians at the arts centre after doing the course aimed at nurturing the next generation of industry professionals.

Ryan said: “I couldn’t believe my luck. I needed a job and saw the vacancy so applied and was successful. I couldn’t be happier to be here.

“My dream job is to do live sound engineering and mixing, which is why I did the Young Technicians course in the first place. To be able to actually work in the industry and build up my experience is an amazing opportunity – the technicians here are really good as well and great at showing you how things work.”

Josh said: “I’ve grown up in Poole and was taken to the panto most years so Lighthouse has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

“The guys have been lovely to work with. I met a few of them on the Young Techs course and am good friends with some of them so this feels like a great first job.”

Ryan is studying music and sound production at Bournemouth University, while Josh is completing a BTEC in music technology.

The course will return in the autumn with places for people aged 16-25 interested in lighting, sound and stage management in indoor and outdoor settings.

Details are at lighthousepoole.co.uk/creative-engagement/young-people/young-technicians/