Backstage Technician Apprentice Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House

LONDON (WC2E 9DD)

Closes in 31 days (Sunday 22 March 2026)

Posted on 17 February 2026

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Summary

Get hands-on experience in one of the largest and busiest theatres in Europe. Based in the Technical Department of the ROH, Covent Garden, play a part in the management and running of our two stages. Gain many new skills as you work in different areas on our live productions; giving you a great start for your career in technical theatre.

• Wage:

  £16,685.50 to £26,984.10, depending on your age

  National Minimum Wage

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Increasing by 2.5% in Year 2

• Training course: Creative industries production technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday - Sunday, shifts to be confirmed.

  42 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 7 September 2026

• Duration:

  2 years

• Positions available:

  4

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

You will be based in the Technical Department of the RBO, in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The Technical Department is responsible for the management and running of the two stages and all other technical areas. ​

• You will work in many different areas of the ROH Technical Department including the build area, lighting, sound, and the main stage (stage props, flys, stage lighting etc).  There will be a chance to specialise in one area towards the end of the apprenticeship
• You will be supported throughout the apprenticeship by a college assessor, ROH technical staff and the Apprenticeships Team.
• You will work alongside a variety of people and departments throughout the apprenticeship
•  You must be 18 years old or over due to the working hours and hazardous nature of the role

Where you'll work

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
COVENT GARDEN
LONDON
WC2E 9DD

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

• The apprenticeship will be split between the ROH and online and in person sessions with Creative Alliance College
• You will study for a Level 3 Production Technician Apprenticeship Standard qualification - either the Creative Venue Technician or Live Event Technician pathway
• Part of the qualification will be achieved through the compilation of a portfolio of evidence demonstrating how the relevant skills have been used in the workplace
• On average, six hours per week will be allocated to college work.  These hours will be scheduled flexibly to fit with college and department requirements

Requirements

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
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Interest in technical theatre

Other requirements

You will work fairly long and demanding shifts at times and in a very busy, fast paced environment. However, you will be working in an energetic and exciting environment where no two days are the same. You must be 18 years old or over on 31st August 2026.​ You must not have completed a degree or equivalent level qualification. You must not have worked professionally in the creative arts for more than six months. You must have work authorisation for the UK AND have been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years prior to the apprenticeship start date.

About this 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.

https://www.rbo.org.uk (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

• Once complete you will be equipped for an entry level career in technical theatre either as a technician in a specific venue or as a freelance technician
• You may choose to specialise in a particular area e.g. lighting and you could even decide to gain further qualifications

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016207.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Sunday 22 March 2026)

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