The events industry is one of the most dynamic and vibrant sectors to work in, and Gallowglass can provide a great starting point for aspiring newcomers. But what exactly can we offer you? In this two-part series, we look at the wealth of opportunities available for those joining our team. We also explain how your experience working for the UK’s most successful events crew providers could significantly enhance your career prospects by opening doors to many other exciting industries.
Let’s start with the various roles available to Gallowglass crew and see how the more experience you gain with us, the greater your options!
General Crew
The role of General Crewman is a versatile one that offers those who are new to Gallowglass, and the events industry as a whole, the chance to learn some basic but vital skills that are essential if you want to progress further within this exciting work space.
As well as possessing a number of key attributes required of each of our crew members - including technical product knowledge, consistent punctuality and a good level of strength and fitness, General Crew must also demonstrate several other qualities. These include a conscientious, helpful and positive attitude while working onsite, a high level of availability and a willingness to learn. Also essential are a considerate and supportive approach to teamwork, and to the health and safety of yourself, your colleagues and those working around you - at all times.
On joining us, General Crew undergo extensive training covering health and safety, manual handling and site/venue rules and regulations. Once they have successfully proved their capabilities within the role, they’ll also have the opportunity to further develop their skillsets with a view to being promoted to the level of Elite Crew.
Robert Hall, General Crew member here at Gallowglass, shares his experience of the role: “I originally sent my CV to the Indeed job site, who put me in touch with Gallowglass. All I knew at that point was that it was going to be a physical job. Every job here offers a different experience: I’ve worked in some amazing venues and been lucky enough to travel to work in destinations I wouldn’t normally have gone to on holiday - like Dublin and Italy, so far. In the two years I’ve been at Gallowglass, I started with no work qualifications, and now have five ‘tickets’ including Working at Height, Harness Trained, Telehandler Operator, All-terrain and Counter Balance Forklifts. I’m very grateful to be where I am and look to progress to the next level as soon as possible.”
Elite Crew
For those wanting to climb the Gallowglass crew career ladder, the next rung is that of Elite Crewman. Not only does this more advanced role bring increased responsibility within the workplace, it also involves being responsible for other crew members too.
Having demonstrated all the attributes required of a General Crew member, Elite Crew need to have the communication skills that accompany a more senior role and enable them to fulfil this role effectively. These include the ability to impart knowledge and support the development of other crew members. Also, the confidence to direct a team efficiently and professionally, using clear and concise language, and the interpersonal skills that enable them to be client-facing and build on the respect gained from their peers as a General Crewman.
As well as gaining more accountability, Elite Crew have opportunities to progress with further training. Here, the focus is on acquiring extensive knowledge of Gallowglass disciplines as well as developing the qualities needed to progress to the highest levels of crew seniority: those of Crew Chief and Senior Crew Chief.
Crewman Martin Shanahan, describes his experience of the position: “The first I heard about Gallowglass was when I was on my way to a shift for my previous employer. I saw a large group of guys in Gallow uniform outside the Saatchi Gallery and I wondered what it was they did. I actually thought they were a glass company at first but was even more interested to find out they worked in events. A year and a half later, I’m an Elite Crewman, and I honestly enjoy every part of my job. It beats the usual 9-5 pattern; no two days are ever the same and you get to work with a really good bunch of people in places you would never normally see as a punter. Training is always available to you, and when I tell my friends about what job I worked on today, they all want a piece of the action.”
Crew Chief/Senior Crew Chief
Attainable for only the most experienced members of the Gallowglass crew, Crew Chief and Senior Crew Chief are the highest roles available and are both challenging and incredibly rewarding, opening even more doors into the broader events industry.
As well as the key attributes required to progress through the roles of General Crew and Elite Crew, Crew Chiefs and Senior Crew Chiefs must demonstrate broader skillsets focused on awareness, leadership and, above all, organisation. The essential qualities required to reach and remain in these top positions include excellent communication skills - with both colleagues and clients, the ability to direct crew from the front with authority and confidence, and the expert knowledge to promote health and safety positively and actively at all times - irrespective of the actions/attitudes of other personnel on site. Efficiency in reporting all accidents and disciplinary issues is also vital.
Not only do Crew Chiefs and Senior Crew Chiefs gain a great sense of achievement from advancing to the upper echelons of the Gallowglass team, but the abundance of outside opportunities that become available to them on reaching this level of seniority makes the climb and the consistent hard work worthwhile.
Regional Senior Crew Chief, Matt Sargent, lists the opportunities presented by the role: “The 2012 Olympics was what attracted me to Gallowglass – with the chance to work on them in the UK, it was a no-brainer. In my role now, I enjoy mentoring new recruits, being around like-minded individuals, team building and seeing jobs through from start to finish. The variety of work in London is so vast, there’s lots to see and do, and, unlike any other city in the world, the events are always exciting and unique. I’ve always recommended Gallowglass as a job - both to friends I know and to those I’ve only just met. It’s a really great industry to learn many new skills, work on thousands of different events and make new friends. And if you’re half as lucky as I’ve been, you’ll get to work in different countries like Oman and Jordan on top of all that”.
If you’ve enjoyed reading about the exciting crewing opportunities at Gallowglass, why not get in touch today to find out more? Whether you’re in search of event crew jobs in Liverpool, London or another of the UK’s thriving cities, we’re sure to provide you with both the knowledge and experience needed to flourish within this thriving sector.
