Are you looking for a practical route into the creative industries? Would you like to learn directly from experienced professionals in a working environment? Do you want to develop useful skills, and gain a recognised qualification? This Creative Industries Production Technician Venue Technician L3 could suit you.
Chichester Festival Theatre is recruiting for a Technical Theatre Apprentice to join them from September, to work in a busy Production department across lighting, sound and stage. This opportunity provides experience, skills, knowledge and formal training whilst working on a range of professional theatre productions across our three stages and elsewhere.
The Technical Theatre Apprenticeship post suits those who have finished their full-time education and are looking for the next step. This role is aimed at a practically minded, energetic and committed person who is passionate about theatre and live arts. No previous experience in theatre or live events is necessary for this role, just a passion and interest in theatre.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to rig, focus, operate, construct and maintain lighting equipment
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to rig, focus, operate, construct and maintain sound and video equipment
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to construct, maintain and operate theatrical scenery and flying systems
- Develop the skills to interpret plans and specifications, respond to design requirements and meet deadlines
- Assist with production get ins and get outs including the safe and efficient loading and unloading of vehicles
- Learn to use a variety of tools and access equipment safely and competently
- Learn to work at height and in hazardous locations safely, using appropriate PPE as required
- Assist in the safe and effective management of theatre storage systems and maintain a tidy workspace
- Undertake duties on live performances such as show operation, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing pre-show and post-show checks
- Learn to adhere to Health and Safety legislation and understand its application in the live events industry
- Learn about the wider theatre and live events industry, including relevant legislation, unions and industry bodies
- Develop the necessary skills to work co-operatively with colleagues or to work autonomously following a brief
- Keep up to date with technical and production developments in the live arts through independent reading and research
- Attend Chichester College seminars and commit to course study to complete a level 3 Apprenticeship
- Undertake an end point assessment as part of the level 3 Apprenticeship
- Work closely with the nominated workplace mentor at CFT who will support the apprentice with completion of their coursework and portfolio
- Undertake any additional training required by Chichester College in the form of functional skills (Mathematics and English)
- Be aware of the work of the other departments in the achievement of CFT’s objectives
- Take an active part in communicating and co-operating with other staff and departments
- Follow guidelines, procedures and policies provided by the company in relation to financial management and personnel records
- Work in accordance with CFT’s Equal Opportunities policy
- Be aware of, and comply with, the rules and legislation pertaining to Health and Safety at work
- Take part in such working groups and committees as might from time to time be required for the fulfilment of departmental and/or CFT’s objectives
- Be an active ambassador for CFT, its aims, objectives and values
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times
- Commit to CFT’s environmental policies to reach net zero and collaborate with us in finding innovative solutions towards more sustainable theatre-making
Technical Apprenticeships at CFT are hands-on, paid, working roles, learning all the skills required of a professional Technician equipping them to enter the industry after the fixed two-year term. The successful candidates will receive a nationally recognised Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician Apprenticeship qualification, whilst working with some of the most eminent industry professionals in the country.
Key Skills:
- Technical Theatre Interest
- Enthusiastic
- Willing to learn
- Committed
- Flexible approach
- Punctual
- Good Work Ethic
- Good Time Management
- Computer Literate
- Good Physical Fitness
- Works Independently
- Team Player, Capable
- Used to Hand Tools
- Good Communication
- Reliable
Working Week: 40-hour week over 6 days including unsociable hours and one day attendance at college in Chichester,
Salary: £20,800 - £25,396 depending on age of candidate at the start of the apprenticeship.
Qualifications Required:
- GCSE Math and English minimum grade 4 required.
- ICT qualification or experience is desirable
About the Employer: Chichester Festival Theatre is a world-class theatre whose mission is to bring together people from all walks of life, providing a space where experiences are created and shared, and where everyone can find their place. Placing creativity at the heart of everything we do, put simply our aim is to inspire and delight everyone we meet. For further information visit: https://www.cft.org.uk/
Future Prospects: All previous CFT apprentices have gone on to work professionally across the Performing Arts industry including on tours and in the West End in a variety of roles.
Things to consider:
- Previous experience of working in a professional environment is desirable including use of hand tools, lighting, sound and stage craft required.
- The apprenticeship role is for a fixed term of 24 months.
- A driving licence and car is very desirable
- This role will include working antisocial hours.
- What we would like to see included in your CV is: Details of your educational qualifications Details of any work, work experience and any experience over the last five years – paid or voluntary
- What we would like to see in your covering letter/video is: Why is this post of interest to you at this stage in your education / professional career? Why are you choosing an apprenticeship as a route into this area of the industry? What makes you the best candidate for this role?
- The list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the employee will be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Technical Director.
- This job will at times require unsociable working hours.
- You MUST BEfree from full time education to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship.
- You MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK.
- You MUST BE resident in the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study.
- You MUST BE committed to completing the full apprenticeship
- If you want to find out more about apprenticeships and working at CFT, as well as getting some advice on how to apply and meet some of the team, we are running an event in the Festival Theatre Foyer on: Saturday 21st June 10.30 – 12.00 or Saturday 5th July 10.30 – 12.00
- We recommend registering by emailing recruitment@cft.org.uk to let us know which session you’d like to attend, but if you haven’t then please don’t let that stop you attending. You're welcome to bring your parents, carers or partner with you to these eventsFurther Information:
Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (ANMW): The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £7.55 per hour (As of the 1st April 2025). This is the legal minimum pay per hour applying to 16 to 18 year old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. For apprentices 19 or over who have completed their first year and are continuing their apprenticeship, the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their ages applies.
Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship
Pay: £20,800.00 per year
Benefits:
Schedule:
- Every weekend
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Chichester PO19 6AP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Please tell us about your personal interests, hobbies and achievements that you are proud of so we can get a sense of who you are. (Maximum 250 words)
- Please confirm you have read and fully understand the 'things to consider' section of this application and have attached the supplemental information required.
Experience:
- live events : 1 year (preferred)
Location:
- Chichester PO19 6AP (preferred)
Work Location: In person
