Obsessed with sound? Turn your passion into a profession at WAAPA
Thursday, 02 April 2026
If you love mixing gigs, tweaking systems, or being behind the desk when the lights go down, WAAPA’s CUA40420 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (Sound) is your pathway into the world of professional live sound.
Launching for Semester 2, 2026, this new VET qualification is designed for emerging technicians who are serious about sound and ready to turn hands-on experience into a career. Based at WAAPA’s new ECU City campus in the heart of Perth, students will train using state-of-the-art audio systems across multiple professional performance venues.
"The Certificate IV is designed for applicants who may already have experience in school productions, bands, gigs or community events,” says Mike Vernau, WAAPA’s Course Coordinator of Sound.
“We aim to bridge the gap between passion and profession by equipping students with practical training in live sound mixing and audio technology.
“Plus the state-of-the-art audio systems in the performance venues at our new campus in the CBD mean our students will hone their skills on industry standard equipment – a real incentive for future employers.”
This new course reflects the real-world role of sound technicians working across the creative arts industries. Students will develop practical skills in audio stagecraft, live sound mixing, audio networking, PA systems, wireless technologies and concert audio practices, gaining hands-on experience working with contemporary bands and musical acts in live performance settings.
Students train alongside artists, technicians and creatives, building both technical confidence and professional workflows in a collaborative environment. Learning is immersive, practical and industry focused, preparing graduates to work across concerts, festivals, theatre and live events.
With a recognised nationwide skills shortage in live sound, WAAPA graduates are highly regarded by employers across the industry.
On successful completion of the CUA40420 Certificate IV in Live Production and Technical Services (Sound), students also have the opportunity to further their studies at WAAPA and may consider applying for the CUA60225 Advanced Diploma of Live Production & Management Services, with further study pathways into the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Production and Design).
Applications are now open for Semester 2, 2026.