Scenic Carpentry Apprentice

Summary

The Scenic Construction workshop is part of the Production and Technical Department of the National Theatre and makes scenery for most of the NT shows and events. The Scenic Carpentry Apprentice will contribute towards the making of sets for the National Theatre.

Wage

£28,808 a year

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Training course

Carpentry and joinery (level 2)

Hours

Monday to Friday Between 8am to 4pm,

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 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

Manufacture scenery and other scenic elements for the NT’s productions and projects under the direction and support of the carpentry team
Adapt existing scenic elements and work in a sustainable manner
Use hand tools, power tools, and fixed machinery
Learn about the various types of materials used in scenic construction, as well as different techniques and their related materials
Learn how to interpret and work from technical drawings, designs, and models
Work closely with the metal workshop in terms of the use and manufacture of components and mechanisms for scenery
Learn basic stage craft and the installation of scenery on stage (fit ups)
Maintain good housekeeping and carry out basic machine maintenance
Gain a basic understanding of AutoCAD and CNC machine programming
Follow health & safety procedures at all times and partake in all necessary training
Engage in the Theatre Green Book and the NT’s commitment to sustainability
Take responsibility for being on time and to work professionally and considerately
Help with the promotion of the NT’s apprenticeship scheme by taking part in tours, helping at careers events, and meeting funders and other guests as requested
Comply with all NT’s policies and procedures
Take responsibility for completing your college work and making sure your line manager knows when a college assessor is visiting
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by your line manager - the Construction Workshop Manager - or the Head of Technical Qualifications

Where you'll work

ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE
UPPER GROUND
LONDON
SE1 9PX

Training

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

College or training organisation

NEW CITY COLLEGE

Your training course

Carpentry and joinery (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
Identify and use safety control equipment, for example, RPE, dust suppression, PPE and LEV.
Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
Comply with industry regulations, standards, and guidance.
Prepare and maintain a safe working area.
Interpret and use information from drawings and specifications.
Estimate required materials and produce a cutting list.
Verbally communicate with others, applying construction terminology.
Select, use and store hand tools.
Select, use and store power tools.
Maintain and sharpen hand tools.
Produce jigs.
Identifies well-being support available to self and others.
Site carpenter: Apply first fix techniques and practices for: 1. structural carcassing, 2. straight timber or metal partition walls, 3. floor joists 4. floor joist coverings and 5. straight flights of stairs.
Site carpenter: Install structural fixings.
Site carpenter: Size timber from sizing tables.
Site carpenter: Apply site second fix techniques and practices for:1. service encasement, 2. cladding 3. wall and floor units and fitments, 4. handrails and spindles to straight flights of stairs, 5. internal and external doors, 6. skirting boards and architrave, 7. window boards.
Site carpenter: Apply site carpenter techniques and practices to construction of rafter roofs, including trussed (prefabricated) and traditional (built on site) including the construction of verge, eaves and fitting loft access.
Site carpenter: Use and store laser levels for example cross line laser.
Site carpenter: Form connections, for example, using joints, nails, screws, bolts and adhesive.
Site carpenter: Apply measuring, marking out, cutting (square and angled), mitring, hinging and recessing techniques.
Site carpenter: Carrying out splicing and scribing techniques.
Architectural joiner: Produce setting out details, including setting rods, and mark out for timber products.
Architectural joiner: Produce basic woodworking joints including dovetail, bridal, mortise and tenon and halving.
Architectural joiner: Form connections using dowels, biscuit, staples and adhesives.
Architectural joiner: Apply techniques and practices to the manufacture and assembly of a timber window with casement including glazing rebates and associated ironmongery.
Architectural joiner: Apply manufacture and assembly techniques for first fix products: 1. straight staircases, 2. door frames and linings.
Architectural joiner: Apply manufacture and assembly techniques for second fix products: 1. timber doors, 2. wall and floor units, 3. timber mouldings, 4. staircase spindles and balustrades.
Architectural joiner: Fit ironmongery including door locks, door handles, door hinges, latches and draw runners.
Architectural joiner: Inspect, prepare and operate fixed machinery.
Comply with health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
Identify and use safety control equipment, for example, RPE, dust suppression, PPE and LEV.
Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. Segregate resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
Comply with industry regulations, standards, and guidance.
Prepare and maintain a safe working area.
Interpret and use information from drawings and specifications.
Estimate required materials and produce a cutting list.
Verbally communicate with others, applying construction terminology.
Select, use and store hand tools.
Select, use and store power tools.
Maintain and sharpen hand tools.
Produce jigs.
Identifies well-being support available to self and others.

Your training plan

Level 2 Carpenter Apprenticeship- Standard
Functional Skills in maths and English (if required)
Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours
Day release to attend college at Rainham (RM13 8GP) or Hackney (N1 6HQ)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language (grade Grade 2 and above)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade Grade 2 and above)

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

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Team working
Creative
Initiative

Other requirements

Workshop hours start at 8am in Central London. The apprentice may occasionally be asked to work at height or in a small space, appropriate training will be given. The apprentice must have the following key technical, soft skills and personal qualities: • Can show that they enjoy making things and has the desire to work as a carpenter. • Can follow written spoken and visual instructions. • Is curious about the world, and keen to learn new things. • Is able to work well within a team. • Has a helpful and flexible approach and attitude, whether the work is routine or exciting. • Is punctual and good at managing their own workload. • Understands the importance of Health and Safety rules. Some experience of using tools, working with wood or other materials is helpful but not essential.

About this company

Based on the South Bank in Waterloo, London, the National Theatre is dedicated to making the very best live theatre and sharing it with as many people as possible. As well as live performance, the National Theatre’s digital programmes includes NT Live, which broadcasts some of the best of British theatre to over 2,500 venues in 65 countries.

http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Scenic Carpentry in theatre and wider creative sector

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