So you wanna be an Autopyrotechnician?

Fireworks now seem to be a pre-requisite ingredient of any medium to large-scale event. In fact, there are already over 70 British companies operating in the field of pyrotechnics. However, be warned, it’s not as simple as running down the local park with a tin of fireworks and a box of matches…..

1. Take me to your rocket launcher
According to consultant Tom Smith: "There is no set route to becoming a pyrotechnician or firework operator in the UK… Most pyrotechnists/fireworkers have either worked for companies on a part-time basis to gain experience, or have extended their November 5th hobby into a business." (See Links).

2. It might look nice, but is it legal?
You don’t need a licence to be a pyrotechnician, but you do need licensed premises in order to dismantle or make fireworks. Instead, start with fireworks which comply with the British Standard for Fireworks (BS7114; 1989). Check out the official Department of Trade and Industry website. (See Links).

3. Bigger, brighter, better, dangerous!
Once you’ve mastered Roman Candles and Catherine Wheels, you’ll probably want to move on to bigger and brighter things. However, the sale of Category 4 fireworks like Shells and Maroons are restricted to ‘professional’ users only. (See Links).

4. I wanna be a ‘professional’!
In the absence of legal definition, the British Pyrotechnists association (BPa) and the Explosive Industry Group (EIG) have agreed their own definition of a 'professional' pyrotechnician; you must meet a strict set of criteria before they will even consider selling Category 4 fireworks to you. (See Links).

5. Is there nothing I can do to get in there?
If you’re thinking that starting off as a pyrotechnician is a nigh-on impossible task, you’re almost right. In a profession where things going wrong can have tragic outcomes, it’s not surprising the industry is very careful about who's allowed to get their hands on the really serious materials. But it’s not all a lost cause…

6. Hurrah for Loughborough!
If you don’t meet the BPa/EIG criteria, there is formal training available. Loughborough College and the Production Services association have just implemented a series of BTEC Firework Firers courses. This is the only national, impartial and recognised training available for the firework industry in the UK. (See Links).

7. Get it local
If Loughborough’s too far away, why not do what Tom Smith suggests and get in touch with your nearest local fireworks company and offer yourself as a willing and able volunteer. (See Links).