Fireworks Display Artist
OFO No:
Youtube example of a great Pyrotechnician’s work!
What is a Fireworks Display Artist? / What is a Pyrotechnician? – (pronounced pie-roh-tek-nish-an)
They are firework experts. So, if you like creating exciting visual experiences, are interested in science and are slightly creative – then becoming a Pyrotechnician may just be the big-bang job for you!
A Pyrotechnician is a licensed individual who creates explosions for:
- Firework displays
- Special effects for movies and theatre
- Breaking rock in mines and quarries
Pyrotechnics find work locally as well as overseas. It’s a very exciting, sometimes dangerous job. One has to be extremely responsible and trustworthy.
What does a Pyrotechnician do?
- discusses the project in detail
- works out all the logistics, planning, setting up, etc
- quotes on the job
- draws up a ‘plan’ showing firework positions, measurements, quantities etc
- orders or makes up the fireworks
- arranges the fireworks according to plan
- makes sure all safety measures are in place
- detonates the devices on time
Are you … ?
- passionate about fireworks and special effects?
- creative?
- responsible?
- trustworthy?
- interested in science & chemistry?
- safety conscious?
- detail orientated?
- observant?
- accurate?
- innovative?
- willing to work long and unusual hours?
How do I become a Fireworks Display Artist / Pyrotechnician?
There is no formal training that one can do to become a Pyrotechnician.
However to become a Pyrotechnician one has to do an apprenticeship (approx. 2 years) through an already licensed Pyrotechnician.
Once you have completed the apprenticeship and done the required number of events/shows, you will then be required to pass an exam with the Chief Inspector of Explosives in Gauteng (Pretoria).
There are 4 Pyrotechnic licenses available:
- Stage (small explosions, fires, smoke etc)
- Fireworks (displays at shows, launches, celebrations etc)
- Movie (special FX, blowing things up, fires etc)
- Blasting (mining and stone-quarry industries)
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Stunt Person … or … Fire Fighter
Is becoming a Fireworks Display Artist / Pyrotechnician the right choice for me?
