Technical Theatre Apprentice
RARE PRODUCTIONS (UK) LTD
CAMBRIDGESHIRE (CB23 3PL)
Closes on Wednesday 6 May 2026
Posted on 11 March 2026
Contents
Summary
RARE Productions are looking at taking on two Technical Apprentices. They are the UK’s largest youth theatre group, with over 5,000 participants, 50,000 audiences and 100 professional practitioners creating unique experiences across 35 regional partner venues.
- Wage
-
£16,640 a year
- Training course
- Creative industries production technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Flexible including weekends. Shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 25 May 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 9 months
- Positions available
-
2
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
RARE Productions perform over 60 shows a year in many towns and cities up and down the UK. Each show dress rehearses and performs over a week, with a different show and cast performing in a different venue. All sets are built in house and stored in our large warehouses in Cambridgeshire.
To learn and apply the skills of a multi-skilled theatre technician, working in Lighting, Stage and Sound, whilst studying a level 3 qualification at Creative Alliance UK under the Creative Venue Technician Apprenticeship Standard. The post is for a fixed term of 24 months.
Main Description -
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to assemble, install, maintain and operate theatrical equipment.
- Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to rig, focus, operate and maintain sound, lighting and video equipment.
- Develop the skills and understanding required to work according to a brief. This includes interpreting plans and specifications, and meeting deadlines.
- Learn how to maintain, service and repair lighting, sound, video and stage equipment.
- Assist with building props and special effects.
- Assist with safe and efficient loading and unloading of vehicles.
- Learn to use a variety of access equipment (eg ladders) safely and competently.
- Learn to work at height and in hazardous locations safely, using appropriate personal protective equipment as required and instructed.
- Assist in the safe and effective management of theatre stores, maintain storage systems and keep a tidy workspace.
This is a really exciting opportunity for the right person. Additionally, this opportunity will lead to longer term emoloyment and development opportunities.
Where you'll work
GRANSDEN ROAD
CAXTON
CAMBRIDGE
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
CB23 3PL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE 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 - Live Events Technician Pathway Level 3 Standard
Apprentices learn the skills they need on the job with the guidance of a development coach who is an expert from industry. You’ll finish your apprenticeship with a recognised qualification, valuable industry experience, money, and substantial opportunities for promotion.
Summative Portfolio
You will be expected to deliver projects throughout the apprenticeship. Each project would involve research, knowledge and may be submitted in writing, a presentation or professional discussion.
- Interpret system specifications for productions, live performance and events. These systems can include sound or lighting or video.
- Assemble and configure systems to meet the specification requirements for sound, lighting, power or video.
- Test, troubleshoot and maintain equipment and systems.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and work with team members.
- Operate and maintain technical equipment.
- Dynamically risk assess the work environment and situation. Adapt working practices to ensure the safety of self and others.
- Disassemble and store technical equipment safely and efficiently at the end of the event, ensuring that the integrity of the components is maintained.
- (Live Event Technician (LET)) Repair complex systems and sub-assemblies at component level.
- (Live Event Technician (LET)) Utilise lifting and rigging equipment to set up event systems.
- (Live Event Technician (LET)) Specify equipment and system requirements suitable for the operational environment.
- (Live Event Technician (LET)) Prepare and pack systems for local or international transportation prior to the event.
Creative industries production technician / Skills England
More training information
Given the nature of the business and the role, there will be occasions whereby this person will be required to work unsociable hours including late nights and weekends, this time will be given back at less busy periods.
A driving licence is required as travel is necessary.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade C/4 or above)
- Maths (grade C/4 or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
About this employer
RARE Productions is the UK’s largest youth theatre group, with over 5,000 participants, 50,000 audiences and 100 professional practitioners creating unique experiences across 35 regional partner venues. It’s a fun, fast paced and interesting job that allows for growth, learning and experimenting.
After this apprenticeship
For the right person, this opportunity could lead to long term employment and progression within the company.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE LIMITED
tania@creativealliance.org.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000020562.
Apply now
Closes on Wednesday 6 May 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.