It sounds like the perfect part time job for a music or sports fan – working as a steward at a local venue and getting to see concerts, plays and football matches free of charge. While it’s true that working as a steward might allow you to get into events and be paid for being there, it’s often hard work and there are certain requirements to get the job in the first place.
You Might Not See the Show
Just think about the last time you went to a concert, play or sporting event. Only a tiny fraction of stewards will be actually inside the arena; most will be checking tickets on the door, organising queues outside, directing people to the toilet or checking bags. Even the stewards who are inside the arena often have to keep their back to the action and scan the crowd, looking for trouble or anyone needing their assistance. You also can’t guarantee that every event you’ll be asked to work at will be to your taste.
Casual Contracts
Most stewards who help out at events work for a security company, under contract to the venue. The work by its nature is irregular – you might work five nights in a row, then nothing for a fortnight. You may also have to work late into the night clearing up after an event has finished and everyone else has caught the last train home. This type of casual, irregular work suits students or other people who are not relying on it as their sole source of income, but probably isn’t ideal if you’re relying on your income to pay the mortgage.
Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications which you require to work as a steward at events. There are some practical skills however which will stand you in good stead. These include a good level of spoken English, customer service experience and the ability to remain calm under pressure. If you have certificates in First Aid then that may be a point in your favour too. You will also be asked to apply for a standard disclosure check. This is a check into your criminal past and will only show up convictions which are not considered spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. It’s not the most detailed level of check, which is only done for roles working directly with children or vulnerable adults. Having unspent convictions does not automatically bar you from being employed, as the employer will look at individual circumstances before making any decisions.
Salary
Working as a matchday steward in a sports stadium or in a major music venue will be paid as an hourly rate. The number of hours will depend on the type of role, and whether you’re needed before or after the event too. The standard salary is around £8 per hour but may be more in London or if you are asked to stay late. If you’re promoted into a supervisory position, you can expect to earn closer to £12 per hour.
