Creative Industries Production Manager L7 Apprenticeship

Summary

Chichester Festival Theatre is recruiting for an Apprentice Production Manager to join them from September 2025, to work in a busy Production department. This opportunity provides experience, skills, knowledge and formal training whilst working on a range of professional theatre productions across all three stages and elsewhere.

Wage

£28,571 a year

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Annual (National Living Wage reflecting the experience expected of the apprentice)

Training course

Creative industries production manager (level 7)

Hours

6 days per week including unsocial hours and learning.

45 hours a week

Start date

Monday 8 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

The Apprentice Production Manager post would suit a post grad or current theatre professional seeking a change of direction into Production Management. The successful apprentice will be given mentoring and assessment to help them grow professionally in a supportive environment. Technical Apprenticeships at CFT are hands-on paid working roles, learning all the skills required of an Assistant Production Manager, equipping you to enter the industry after the fixed 2-year term. You will receive a nationally recognised qualification in production management, whilst working with some of the most eminent industry professionals in the country.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the Technical Director with the production of drawings, paperwork and specifications and such other tasks as may be required
Support visiting production managers with technical information, processing of orders and payments, collection and delivery of materials and equipment and undertaking on-stage fit up work as required
Work collaboratively alongside the technical departments at CFT to assist in their work to develop and maintain production and technical skills required to work as a Production Manager
Where opportunity arises, take on the role of Assistant Production Manager to visiting production managers, managing tasks nominated by them and deputising for them when required
Take on the role of Production Manager on a nominated project or production in order to complete the requirements of the apprenticeship program
To undertake work experience and/or placements with other theatres and organisations across the country
Produce and distribute technical design documentation and information to theatre departments, creative team members, external and specialist contractors
Assist stage management teams on individual shows with preparation for rehearsals including plans, materials, mark outs, vehicle loading and transport requirements
Prepare and maintain model boxes, and organise their delivery and collection for creative team members
Undertake technical drawing tasks for various departments, including undertaking surveys and measurements, developing existing plans, creating plans, section and 3D views
Assist in the safe and effective management of theatre stores, maintain storage systems and keep a tidy workspace
When required, work on live performances, developing and undertaking site management, show operation roles, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing day-to-day pre-show maintenance and checks
Collaborate on the ongoing development of Theatre Greenbook practices and advocate for sustainability in theatre productions
Attend Chichester College seminar online regularly to complete a higher Apprenticeship
To complete coursework as set out by the College and submit these in a timely manner as requested
Collect evidence of your work in the form of photographs, videos, notes, paperwork and plans to form a professional portfolio for submission at the end point assessment
Undertake an end point assessment at the end of the Apprenticeship
If required, undertake a re-sit exam for the end point assessment if you are unsuccessful on your first attempt

Where you'll work

Oaklands Park
--
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 6AP

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHICHESTER COLLEGE GROUP

Your training course

Creative industries production manager (level 7)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

Creative Industries Production Manager L7 Apprenticeship Working alongside experienced colleagues to learn all aspects of production management.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths (grade 9-4)
English (grade 9-4)

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

Knowledge of CAD/Vectorworks
3D model software experience
Lighting and sound engineering
Hard working
Previous theatre experience
Ambitious
Punctual
Team Player
Willing to learn
Displays intuition
proactive in approach
creative thinker
Displays leadership skills
Technical drawing ability
Excellent communication
Organisation skills
Enthusiastic
Committed
Flexible attitude to work
Professional
Presentable
Confident
Works Independently
Computer Literate

Other requirements

What we would like to see included in your CV is:  • Details of your educational qualifications.   • Details of any work, work experience and any experience over the last five years – paid or voluntary.  -What we would like to see in your covering letter/video is:  • Why is this post of interest to you at this stage in your education / professional career? • Why are you choosing an apprenticeship as a route into this area of the industry? • What makes you the best candidate for this role? -This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the employee will be required to perform duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Technical Director. -This job will at times require unsociable working hours. -You MUST BE free from full-time education to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. -You MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. -You MUST BE resident in the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. -You MUST BE committed to completing the full apprenticeship.

About this company

Chichester Festival Theatre is a world-class theatre whose mission is to bring together people from all walks of life, providing a space where experiences are created and shared, and where everyone can find their place. Placing creativity at the heart of everything we do, put simply our aim is to inspire and delight everyone we meet.

After this apprenticeship

All previous CFT apprentices have gone on to work professionally across the Performing Arts industry, including on tours and in the West End, in a variety of roles.

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