Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship
Burnley Mechanics Theatre
Burnley (BB11 1BH)
Closes in 28 days (Friday 5 September 2025)
Posted on 8 August 2025
Contents
Summary
Set up for shows and events, Learn about stage lighting, sound equipment, stage and construction problem solving, Develop knowledge of how theatre, culture, the arts and entertainment work, Embrace our commitment for delivering a quality and supportive service to visiting artists, hirers and visiting companies.
- Wage
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£14,133.60 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Wage is currently £7.55/hour in the first year, rising to £10/hour (18-20) or £12.21/hour (21+) for the final six months.
- Training course
- Creative industries production technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
The role will involve regular evening and weekend work, days off take during the week (Monday -Thursday). Shifts to be confirmed.
36 hours 15 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 20 October 2025
- Duration
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1 year 6 months
- Positions available
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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
Outline of role:
We are looking for someone who wants to learn how to:
- Learn how to use sound and lighting (working with microphones, cables, stage lights and sound equipment)
- Set up for shows and events
- Have an interest and excitement to work with national and international music and entertainment artists regularly
- Have determination, ambition, and eagerness to learn
- Develop their knowledge of how theatre, arts and entertainment work
- Learn and attend health and safety training in line with the position
- Embrace our commitment for delivering a quality and supportive service to visiting artists, hirers and visiting companies
Key tasks:
It is essential you have the ability to:
- Carry out manual handling and work in a safe and efficient manner
- Be punctual and able to work evenings and weekends regularly
- Have a natural interest in theatre, arts, live music and entertainment
We will help you develop:
- Opportunity to use professional lighting and sound equipment
- Opportunity to gain qualifications related to the post (electrical, theatre based)
- A professional manner allowing you to work with national and international music and entertainment artists regularly
- As part of your employment we want you to learn as much as possible and to achieve your goals in a future career in the arts and entertainment industry
Skills, knowledge & experience:
This role would suit someone who:
- Has the ability to carry out manual handling safely, able to work at heights, is an excellent communicator and a true team player Work often needs to be done quickly and quietly
- You need to be reliable, trustworthy and punctual and be able to work evenings and weekends regularly. (often between 11pm and 1am finishes)
- You must be keen to learn and adapt to a busy theatre environment and thrive on a challenge
- Good verbal communication skills
- A flexible and positive attitude to work
- Must be prepared to undertake relevant training
- Have a sense of humour and enjoy working in a close nit team
Additional information:
- This role will involve evening and weekend work regularly; most performances are at weekends so it is important you have the ability to travel to and from work
- This position will involve working with strobe lighting and effects
- This position will involve working in a noisy environment
Suitable DBS clearance will be needed on request.
Where you'll work
Manchester Road
Burnley
BB11 1BH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
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.
Training schedule
Creative industries production technician
Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard, including Functional Skills in English and maths if required
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
Must be able to work evenings and weekend regularly. (unsocial hours) passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
About this employer
Burnley Mechanics Theatre is a magnificent Grade 2 Star listed building opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in 1986 to present the absolute best in entertainment, special events and community activities in the town. Inside you will find a modern, multipurpose venue offering impressive performance spaces, state-of-the art technical facilities and several comfortable and relaxing spaces to drink, dine and meet friends. This historic venue has played host to some of the finest talent ranging from Sir Ian McKellen, The Osmonds, John Bishop, Alan Carr, Lee Nelson, Tim Vine, the stars of Strictly Come Dancing and our fabulous local societies; Burnley Light Opera and Burnley Pantomime Society. The Mechanics is also the number one choice for the areas many superb dance and theatre schools to showcase their emerging talent.
After this apprenticeship
- We endeavour to offer a permanent post on completion of the apprenticeship
- Skills learned through the apprenticeship will set you up for a career in theatre, arts and entertainment
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000335924.
Apply now
Closes in 28 days (Friday 5 September 2025)
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