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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a vital way for people to join the workforce, blending real work with college learning.

A person wearing protective gear and a welding helmet is performing welding work on a metal structure in a workshop. Various tools, pipes, and sheets are visible around the workspace.

Since 2011 we have hosted over 40 apprentices at the National Theatre. Their roles have been in many different areas of the organisation and have allowed people to join the industry with confidence, knowledge, and valuable experience.

Apprenticeships involve:

  • Paid work, with college or externally led learning.
  • A minimum of 12 months full-time contract.
  • Gaining experience working in your chosen industry.

Our apprentices are often people who say they would not have got into the industry via college or university. The level of our apprenticeships reflects this, as they are mostly suitable for those with GCSEs or A Levels, rather than degrees.

 

 

Any  Questions?

If you would like to be added to our apprenticeships mailing list to find out more as we advertise apprenticeships please use our mailing list form.

If you have any questions,  you can email apprenticeshipenquiries@nationaltheatre.org.uk

If we have a confirmed timeline for recruiting for a specific apprenticeship it will also be advertised here.

A person stands on scaffolding, repairing or adjusting a hanging light fixture. Below, another person watches from the ground. The setting is a stage with a rustic wooden structure under theatrical lighting.

Backstage apprenticeships

Our technical and production-based apprentices become skilled and valued members of thire teams. They complete independent projects,  grow their skillset and eventually work on our shows.

A number of our former apprentices continue with us after their apprenticeship, sometimes on a freelance basis.

We have employed apprentices in backstage roles such as:

  • Creative Venue Technician Apprentice ( lighting, sound & video, and stage crew)
  • Scenic Artist Apprentice
  • Scenic Carpenter Apprentice
  • Scenic Metal Fabricator Apprentice
  • Props maker Apprentice
A woman wearing a hard hat and high-visibility vest stands in a work setting. She is holding a clipboard and smiling while standing next to an emergency first-aid station mounted on a concrete wall. She has curly hair and glasses.

Business operations apprenticeships

Many of our apprentices do not work directly on our productions, but instead support vital business operations.

We value these apprentices highly and several have become permanent NT staff members after their apprenticeship has ended, whilst others have gone on to similar roles in other arts organisations.

Business operations apprenticeships have been in roles such as:

  • IT Support Engineer Apprentice
  • Facilities Apprentice
  • Marketing Data Analyst Apprentice
  • Events Apprentice

“Apprenticeships play an essential role in the ecology of a busy producing theatre. There are many specific craft skills that can only be learnt or passed on in the front line of making ambitious new work with some of the world’s leading theatre practitioners.

The benefits to those being taught are only matched by those received by those doing the teaching. Passing on the experience of a 20 or 30 year career is as enlivening as starting that career again. Creating opportunity that might otherwise have been invisible or out of reach has positive impacts that ripple through the whole organisation.”

Paul, Production and Technical Director, National Theatre

“Without the scheme I don’t think I would be where I am today. A chance was taken with me and I will always remember that.

I put 110% into what I do… such an amazing opportunity that changed my life.”

2018 Apprentice

“I can’t speak highly enough of this apprenticeship. The NT gave me an opportunity to kick-start a career in a subject I knew very little about on arrival.

Learning on the job was made very easy by the friendly and warm environment that the National Theatre was at the time. Also, the friendships made between the apprentices were very helpful and gave you that extra support. Lots of fun!”

2014 Apprentice

Props apprentice working in large workshop
Props apprentice working in large workshop
Props apprentice working in large workshop
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Metalwork apprentice welding in workshop Apprentice looking at a computer screen, typing and using a mouse. A woman wearing a hard hat and high-visibility vest stands in a work setting. She is holding a clipboard and smiling while standing next to an emergency first-aid station mounted on a concrete wall. She has curly hair and glasses. Technical theatre apprentice in headset Scenic art apprentice painting in a brightly lit workshop, wearing mask. Scenic metalwork fabricator apprentice using grinding equipment, sparks are flying.

Apprentices at work

More to explore

A group of technicians in orange hard hats put together a theatre set made up of an orange and silver climbing gym

Young Technicians

Applications are now open for our course exploring the basics of lighting, sound, video and the stage, participants (aged 14 -18) work with National Theatre production teams.

Young Technicians
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Work placements

Work experience placements for over 18s are short learning opportunities within the theatre.

Work Placements
A young person pointing to the stage whilst another person smils and looks upwards, they are sitting in the Lyttelton Theatre which is full of other young people

Learn & explore

Discover more about our learning programmes.

Learn & explore
Six young women dressed in matching green sweaters, white shirts, and plaid skirts stand in formation on a brightly colored checkered floor. They are singing on a stage, with various expressions of emotion. The background is dark and indistinct.

Careers: Frequently Asked Questions

Find out more about National Theatre careers and our recruitment process.

Careers: Frequently Asked Questions

Supporters

Apprenticeships at the National Theatre are supported by Bank of America, Eggardon Trust, The Radcliffe Trust, and The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters.

Creative Careers enabled by TikTok.

Find out more about supporting our work