Creative Industries Production Venue Technician L3 Apprenticeship

Summary

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.

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Creative industries production technician (level 3)

Hours

40 hours per week over 6 days including weekends and unsocial hours. Included in this will be one day at Chichester College.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 8 September 2025

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

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

Where you'll work

Oaklands Park
--
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 6AP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Your training course

Creative industries production technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
Prepare system specifications and drawings.
Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
Prepare written information and reports.
Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
Undertake set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under show conditions.
Operate suspension systems.
Undertake stage crafts such as basic scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, stage machinery, props, scene changes, knots and terminations.
Trouble shoot, fault find and carry out basic repairs to creative venue and production systems.
As directed, inspect, test and maintain creative venue systems and production systems.
Program and operate production control consoles. Undertake cueing and operation during the live performance or event.
Trouble shoot, fault find and repair at sub assembly and component level.
Calibrate equipment and systems to meet production requirements.
Identify, specify and use components, systems and products applicable for the environment.
Identify and undertake servicing requirements in line with manufacturer recommendations.
Achieve effective network connectivity across live event systems.
Identify required packing space for equipment and for truck packs.
Prepare and operate lifting and ground rigging equipment.
Program and operate lighting control systems.
Assess and monitor power supply systems, installing wiring for practicals and equipment as required.
Prepare, set and operate lighting equipment to create the desired effect.
Manipulate and modify lighting, using diffusion materials, filters or reflectors to create the desired effect.
Adapt lighting to meet short notice creative changes in the production design or script.
Prepare and operate extra low voltage lighting equipment and systems.
Identify the dangers and restrictions in the use of battery supplies including charging and mitigate for these.
Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
Prepare system specifications and drawings.
Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
Prepare written information and reports.

Your training plan

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.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade 9-4)
English (grade 9-4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

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

Other requirements

Previous experience of working in a professional environment is desirable including use of hand tools, lighting, sound and stage craft. This role will include working antisocial hours. Full details of the role and how to apply can be found on the CFT website https://www.cft.org.uk/jobs

About this company

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

https://www.cft.org.uk/jobs (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

The Recruitment Team

recruitment@cft.org.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000327296.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Thursday 10 July 2025)

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