Technical Apprentice

THE MARLOWE TRUST

KENT (CT1 2AS)

Closes in 18 days (Sunday 31 May 2026)

Posted on 13 May 2026

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Summary

We are recruiting one full-time Technical Apprentice to join the technical team at the Marlowe Theatre.

The Technical Apprentice will work as part of the technical team across all disciplines, to deliver an excellent service for all areas of the Marlowe Trust programmes.

• Wage:

  £25,949 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  We are a Real Living Wage Employer

• Training course: Creative industries production technician (level 3)
• Hours: Performances happen mostly in the evenings and at weekends. In order to deliver the best service to our customers, all of our posts, whether frontline, strategic, planning or support roles, require some evening and weekend working.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 7 September 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• 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

• Creatively support the theatre’s technical team in the installation and delivery of the Marlowe Theatre’s programmes.
• As required, support the effective maintenance, replacement and renewal of the Marlowe Theatre’s stage areas, production equipment and tools.
• Work in a safe and legal way to comply with regulatory and legislative requirements and industry best practice.
• To develop effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• To drive your own career and skills development, making the most of the opportunities made available to you.
• To live and represent the Marlowe Theatre’s values.

Where you'll work

THE MARLOWE THEATRE
THE FRIARS
CANTERBURY
KENT
CT1 2AS

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

Whilst working with our ambitious and creative technical team, you will develop a broad range of technical skills and knowledge. The successful candidate will complete the Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician – Creative Venue Technician pathway. Learning will take place on-site in the theatre and online with our apprenticeship provider, Access Industry.

More training information

https://accessindustry.co.uk/apprenticeships/creative-venue-technician/ 

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
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Theatre production skills
• Approachable
• Outgoing
• Collaborative
• Passionate about theatre
• Basic level of general theatre
• Awareness of health and safety
• Knowledge of theatre industry
• Worked on performances
• Worked on productions

Other requirements

Applicants must have lived in the UK for at least three consecutive years prior to the start of the apprenticeship and must not be undertaking or enrolled in another funded qualification that would overlap with this programme.

Applicants must be 16 years old or over by September 2026 and must not be in full‑time education.

A Level 4 or above in GCSE maths and English is preferable, but if you don't have those qualifications you will have to complete Level 2 Numeracy and Literacy as part of your apprenticeship.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be required to complete a skill scan, and your contact details will be shared with Access Industry.

Access Industry will contact you directly to complete the skills scan. This is a short conversation to confirm your eligibility for the apprenticeship. As part of the process, you may be asked to provide evidence of your maths and English qualifications.

Please note that without the completed skill scan, your application cannot be taken forward.

About this employer

The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury is one of the UK’s most successful large-scale regional theatres (UK Theatre of the Year in the Stage Awards 2022). Our mission is to be the engine house for the performing arts in Kent, shaping the spirit of our region.

 We bring West End musicals, national companies, a symphony orchestra season and high-profile tours to Kent audiences, in a year-round programme of theatre, dance, opera, music and comedy in our 1,200-seat Main House. This year we begin producing large-scale plays made in Kent and touring nationally. Our 150-seat Studio is dedicated to the development of new ideas, with a mix of R&D with resident and visiting companies, sharings and presented shows. 

Our ground-breaking work with young people focuses on skills development and includes co-delivery of a UAL Level 3 Performing Arts course with East Kent Colleges Group; being the national home of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures’ Cygnet School and the RSC’s Associate Theatre in the South East. We launched our Writers’ Room, developing regional talent and supporting our producing aspirations. As the largest performing arts employer in the region, we are committed to developing the workforce of the future, providing apprenticeships and work experience opportunities across all areas of theatre-making. 

We are also fast outgrowing our spaces and developing major capital projects as a result, including turning the 800-year-old Poor Priests’ Hospital within the city walls into a Creative Learning Centre and free heritage destination, with support from Levelling Up and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We are also looking towards the long-term development of our theatre building, increasing our technical and producing capacity. 

Our investment in our loyalty strategy has ensured that we have consistently strong and engaged audiences for our varied programme. We’ve also received recognition from our industry, winning a Stage Award for our innovative approach to supporting the theatre sector and a Workforce Award from UK Theatre for our investment in our People Plan, ensuring our high calibre team are rewarded and supported. 

 We are a Creative Green organisation and are committed to taking action on climate change and environmental sustainability. 

https://marlowetheatre.com/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

• Apprentices may go on to become a Venue Technician, Theatre Technician or Stage Technician.
• They could also pursue specialisms in Lighting, Sound, Video and Automation.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ACCESS FURTHER EDUCATION LIMITED

recruitment@marlowetheatre.com

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000022976.

Apply now

Closes in 18 days (Sunday 31 May 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.