Creative Technology delivers student day at Resonance ahead of Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

L-R: Chris Cronin, treasurer, Board of Trustees, Resonance; councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council; Dave Crump, CEO CT Europe & Middle East

Sports Technology (ST), the specialist major multi-sports division of Creative Technology (CT), has been appointed Official Provider of Large Video Screens and Audio Services for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Alongside LED and PA systems in the majority of the venues, ST will provide a broad range of audio-visual services including a flexible signal distribution network in every venue, providing a fully integrated IP-based solution for all non-broadcast audio, video and data distribution.

As part of its bid to provide services, the company had to demonstrate how it would give something back to the community and support a local organisation. The result is Resonance, a higher education facility based within the DY5 Enterprise Zone at the Waterfront in Brierley Hill, UK, that was created in consultation with 48 industry partners, including CT.

The leader of Dudley Council was “bowled over” with the life-changing opportunities being given to students at Resonance during a recent visit. Councillor Patrick Harley stopped by to find out how students will be working alongside ST at next year’s games.

During his visit, the leader met with some of the team from Creative Technology and Sports Technology who were delivering their first training and educational session to students. Students were briefed on how the company will support and train them and given details on an ambitious work placement and internship programme, which could see them gain real life experience working within the technology disciplines at the games.

A student at Resonance commented: “Having big companies and professionals come in to talk to the students means you can understand where you can go, the options that are available to you…. This reflects what you’re learning on campus, it is a big benefit.”

Councillor Harley said: “Having visited Resonance during the training day, I was bowled over with the magnitude of the opportunity being given to students. Resonance is unique, and we are incredibly lucky to have the facility in our borough, but this opportunity to be part of something as big as the Commonwealth Games and allow students to hone their skills and get real on the ground experience at a global event is incredible.

“It will help steer students into their chosen career path and help make them even more employable within the industry at the end of their degree course.”

Rick Benton, chief executive & principal at Resonance, said: “Engaging with industry lies at the heart of what Resonance is about. Through the inspirational training day with Creative Technology, our students have not only gained an in-depth insight into careers offered within the live events sector, and the skills required to succeed, but now have a potentially life-changing opportunity to take part in work experience with a leading global AV company at a major international event.”

Lee Dennison, head of client relationships at Creative Technology, said: “After a very hard 18 months for any real face-to-face student engagement, the attendance, interest, intrigue and positivity from the students was amazing. We spent a great day working them on their professional and personal development and we are really looking to building on our relationship with Resonance as we all move forward.”