Costume Making Apprentice Royal Opera House

The Costume Making Apprenticeship at ROH is an opportunity to acquire the practical craft skills for costume making for ballet and opera that are transferrable to the wider performing arts industries. If you enjoy sewing and finding out how garments are constructed, gain these skills in one of Europe's busiest opera houses.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 20 May 2024

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £14,144.00 to £25,282.40

    Salary increases by 2.5% in second year

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    The working week is 42.5 hours, usually around office hours. Shifts TBC.

    Total hours per week: 42.5

    (the hours are based on the candidate being over 18)

  • Expected duration

    24 Months

  • Possible start date

    02 Sep 2024

  • Date posted

    18 Apr 2024

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000245619

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

  • Assist with the making and fitting of costumes for all new productions and for revivals of existing shows.
  • Contribute to the maintenance of show records, relevant notes and make detailed notes of alterations that are required.
  • Help produce costumes working from designs, working drawings, models and instructions using a wide range of techniques and materials.
  • Assist with the fitting of costumes.
  • Take and record accurate measurements of artists.
  • Maintain a safe & tidy work area, cleaning & basic maintenance.

The training you will be getting

  • You will spend time in all three of our costume making workrooms.
    These are: Revivals Workroom, Mens Workroom
    & Ladies Workroom.
  • You will also spend time at South Essex College in Purfleet, Essex, where you will work towards a level 3 Garment Maker Apprenticeship Standard.
  • During the first year, the successful candidate will spend a block of three months at college, with the remainder of time spent working at the theatre with regualr touch points between the two during the blocks.

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

  • Able to secure entry level Costume Production role or similar in the creative industries.
  • Translate designs into garments suitable for performance in a theatre costume department.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Team working, Interest in costume making, Interest in period costume, interest in theatre, Hand & machine sewing skills, Familiarity with sewing terms, Helpful, Positive Proactive, Punctual, Manage own workload, Self-motivated

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade 4) Desired
Other (no previous qualifications required) (Grade n/a) Desired

Things to consider

You must be 18 years old or over on 2 September 2024. You must have work authorisation for the UK. You must not have completed a university degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or elsewhere. You muse be physically capable of undertaking the requirements of the job. Reasonable adjustments will be considered as part of your application.

About the employer

We bring together the world’s most extraordinary artists in live, streamed and broadcast events and performances that thrill, move and excite; that transport people to other worlds. Our theatres are in London’s Covent Garden but our work is accessed and experienced across the UK and globally through touring partnerships, cinema programmes, free outdoor screenings, radio, TV and live-streaming.

Employer

Royal Opera House

Address

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

COVENT GARDEN

LONDON

WC2E 9DD

Contact

recruitment@roh.org.uk

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Training

Training provider

SOUTH ESSEX COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Apprenticeship standard

Garment maker

Level 3 (A level)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Employer's Application Instructions

Give yourself plenty of time to complete the application form. These apprenticeships are designed for people who are passionate about pursuing a career, but who still have lots to learn! Don’t be afraid to give examples from your hobbies, clubs or school activities. We are not necessarily looking for any experience in a workplace.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 20 May 2024