Scenic Construction Technician Apprentice

Royal Academy Of Dance; Purfleet-on-Thames, City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading performing arts organization is seeking apprentices for its scheme starting in January 2026. This 33-month fixed-term role offers practical skills development in a creative environment, with combined experiences at Covent Garden and Purfleet. Ideal candidates should be 18+, not have a degree, and reside in the UK for the past three years. Earn National Living Wage with tuition covered.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old or over on the start date.
• Not have completed a university degree or equivalent.
• Have work authorization for the UK.
• Must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the past three consecutive years.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a Level 3 Scenic Construction Apprenticeship.
• Gain practical skills and knowledge in scenic construction.
• Develop a network of industry contacts.

Job description

The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world‑class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.

The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building. While our Covent Garden theatre is the nerve centre, the impact and influence of the organisation can be felt in every corner of the country, and around the world.

Apprenticeship Scheme, Fixed Term Contract (33 months)

Starting January 2026

Salary: £26,984.10 for 42.5 hrs per week

Based in: Covent Garden, London AND Purfleet, Essex

We are one of the busiest theatres in the world, delivering more than 400 performances each year and our backstage teams are some of the best theatre craftspeople in the world.

We want to encourage fresh, passionate new talent into the building and our apprenticeship scheme plays a big part in that!

An apprenticeship gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will underpin your professional development and access to a network of people who can guide and support you during your career.

What our apprentices say:

"It has taught me invaluable on‑the‑job experience that textbook learning cannot provide."

"It is a great pathway into a career and a unique alternative to university."

The role is on a fixed‑term contract for 33 months, full‑time (42.5 hours per week) and based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden AND at the High House Production Workshop in Purfleet, Essex.

The apprenticeship will be split between the RBO and the College Training Provider. You will study for Level 3 Scenic Construction Apprenticeship Standard.

Will I be paid?

Yes! You will earn National Living Wage which will increase by 2.5% after successfully completing the first year. Apprentices are expected to use this to pay for their own travel to work and college. College fees will also be paid by the Royal Ballet and Opera.

Am I eligible?

• You must be 18 years old or over on the start date.
• Not have completed a university degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or elsewhere (in any subject, even if unrelated).
• Have work authorisation for the UK.
• You must have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the past three consecutive years prior to the start of the programme. This is a mandatory requirement in line with apprenticeship funding regulations.

Do I need previous experience?

We are interested in recruiting apprentices that are first and foremost curious, driven by working in a creative environment and keen to learn new skills!

Click here for more information and to apply

Closing date for applications: 8am, Tuesday 2nd December 2025