Technical Apprentice

Creative Lives in Progress; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 14,000; Full time

Job summary

Wales Millennium Centre is seeking a Technical Apprentice for a 12-month FTC role aimed at developing skills in live productions. Open to applicants aged 16+, the role involves technical support in live performances and offers various training opportunities including certifications.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Enhanced pension scheme

Health cash plan for treatments

Medical assistance including remote GP access

Life assurance of 4x salary

Opportunities for social engagement

Free online Welsh lessons

Employee support services

Employee social group

£5 daily parking on workdays

Qualifications

• Must attain equivalent certification if GCSEs not achieved.
• Participants may receive ABTT Bronze Award and PAT Testing certifications.
• Technical theatre understanding required.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills in live productions focusing on Stage Craft, Sound, and Lighting.
• Complete coursework and assessments to obtain qualifications.
• Assist in various projects across the venue.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Education

GCSE in Math, English, and IT

Level 3 qualification in a relevant area

Job description

We are Wales Millennium Centre - Fire for the Imagination

Role Title: Technical Apprentice (Stage bias) (12-Month FTC)

Salary: £13,741 (35hrs per week)

Closing Date: 9th July

Assessment dates: 29th July and 5th August

Starting date: October 6th, 2025 – Induction Week

To apply for this role and to find out more about what we do at WMC, please visit: Careers and jobs | Wales Millennium Centre (wmc.org.uk)

About WMC/Our Department:

As one of the UK’s most iconic and celebrated arts venues, part of our success story is down to our commitment to giving people the opportunity to develop and thrive.

We support emerging Welsh talent with learning experiences, professional workshops, and technical apprenticeships. Our current apprentices work at the centre (shared with Welsh National Opera) and other partner organisations across Wales. This apprenticeship is within our technical department, responsible for technical assistance on projects in our DGT Theatre, Weston Studio, and other stages.

Our current Technical Apprentices (Stage bias) have recently supported productions like Wicked and Hamilton, and have contributed to shows like Pontypool, The Nutcracker, The Marriage of Figaro, and Peter Grimes with the WNO, with potential to tour later.

For more about the apprenticeship scheme, visit - https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/what-we-do/careers-and-jobs/technical-apprenticeships.

About the Role and Responsibilities:

This role aims to develop specialised and transferable skills in live productions and projects, focusing on Stage Craft, Sound, and Lighting, with opportunities to explore other departments like Stage and Costume Management.

The success of WMC depends on the quality of its technical services, aiming to be the venue of choice for event and performance presenters.

You will complete coursework, assessments, and training modules to obtain a Level 3 qualification. If you haven't achieved a C grade or above at GCSE in Math, English, and IT, you will undertake workshops to attain equivalent certification.

*Individuals with degrees in related subjects (Theatre Tech, Performance, Set/Costume/AV Design, TV/Film Studies) and those outside South Wales are not eligible to apply.*

Applications are open to those aged 16+ (preferably 18-30).

You will report to the Apprentice & Training Coordinator, who oversees your training schedule, including trips away from the base.

Over 12 months, you will attend workshops and earn certifications like the ABTT Bronze Award, PAT Testing, and IOSH CRISP, with opportunities to attend trade shows and work on productions like War Horse and Mary Poppins.

Key Requirements:

Availability to start on October 6th for Induction Week.

Availability for assessment days on 29th July or 5th August.

Working hours vary weekly depending on production needs; this is not a 9-5 role. Applicants should consider their travel arrangements and whether this work suits them.

You should demonstrate understanding of backstage technical theatre, good interpersonal and communication skills, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn and progress.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro-rata for part-time.
• Enhanced pension scheme, maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental leave (subject to service length).
• Health cash plan for dental, optical, and treatments.
• Medical assistance including remote GP access, counselling, physiotherapy.
• Employee support services for legal, financial, and family issues.
• Life assurance of 4x salary.
• Opportunity to apply for tickets to productions.
• Employee social group (CLWB).
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion group (NEWID).
• Free online Welsh lessons.
• £5 daily parking on workdays.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, actively embracing positive action to address underrepresentation, particularly of individuals with disabilities and from ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants from these groups meeting minimum criteria will be shortlisted for interview. Our goal is to foster a workplace that truly values diversity.