Technical Apprentice

arts.wales; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

arts.wales in Cardiff offers an exciting Technical Apprenticeship, providing hands-on experience in live productions. Apprentices will gain skills in Stage Craft, Sound, and Lighting while supporting major performances at the Centre.

Starting October 5th, applicants will partake in training modules and achieve a Level 3 qualification. Ideal candidates have a passion for technical theatre and strong interpersonal skills to succeed in this dynamic role.

Enthusiasts can expect to engage with various productions, gaining valuable experiences and industry-recognized certifications.

Qualifications

• Availability to start on October 5th for Induction Week.
• Ability to attend an assessment day.
• Positive attitude towards professional working.

Responsibilities

• Support technical areas including Stage Craft, Sound, and Lighting.
• Complete coursework, assessments, and training modules.
• Gain practical experience on live productions.

Skills

Understanding of backstage technical theatre

Strong interpersonal skills

Willingness to learn new skills

Education

GCSEs in Maths, English, or IT

Relevant technical qualifications (Level 3)

Job description

As one of the UK’s most iconic arts venues, we’re proud that our success is built on a commitment to nurturing talent and creating meaningful opportunities for people to grow within the creative industries.

We support emerging Welsh talent through life‑changing learning experiences, professional workshops, and technical apprenticeships. These programmes are delivered both here at the Centre – our role in partnership with Welsh National Opera - and through a network of cultural organisations across Wales, giving apprentices a varied foundation and network as they set of into their careers.

We’re now excited to offer a new apprenticeship within our Technical Department. This team provides essential technical support across our DGT Theatre, Weston Studio, Cabaret space, and other performance areas, helping to bring productions to life through stagecraft, lighting, sound, and backstage coordination.

Our current stage‑biased Technical Apprentices have already gained hands‑on experience with major touring productions such as Mary Poppins, Tina: The Musical, and The Bodyguard. They have also supported Welsh National Opera’s self‑produced shows, including Blades of Glory and The Flying Dutchman, with the potential for future touring opportunities.

Joining us as an apprentice means becoming part of a skilled, supportive team and contributing to world‑class productions while developing the practical experience and confidence needed for a successful career in theatre.

For more about the apprentice scheme visit;

The primary aim of this apprenticeship is to help you build both specialised and transferable skills through hands‑on, work‑based learning in the heart of live production environments. You will gain practical experience across key technical areas—including Stage Craft, Sound, and Lighting—with the chance to explore additional departments such as Stage Management and Costume Management. This breadth of exposure ensures you develop a well‑rounded understanding of how professional productions are brought to life.

Technical excellence is central to the continued success of Wales Millennium Centre. Our ability to attract national and international artists, companies, and touring productions depends on the quality, reliability, and responsiveness of our technical services. As an apprentice, you will contribute directly to this reputation, supporting our ambition to remain a venue of first choice for event and performance presenters.

Throughout your working week, you will complete coursework, assessments, and structured training modules required to achieve your Level 3 qualification. For those who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade C or above in Maths, English, or IT, we provide essential skills workshops to help you gain an equivalent certification and ensure you have the foundations needed for a successful technical career.

Over the course of the 12‑month programme, you will take part in a series of professional workshops and industry‑recognised certifications. These include the ABTT Bronze Award, PAT Testing, and the CRISP IOSH qualification, among others. You may also have the opportunity to attend a trade show in the spring or summer, offering valuable insight into the latest technologies, equipment, and industry trends.

In addition to formal training, you will gain practical experience on a variety of productions staged at the Centre. Subject to scheduling, successful applicants can expect to work on major shows such as Matildia: The Musical (RSC) and Cinderella (Matthew Bourne), providing a rare opportunity to learn from large‑scale touring companies and established creative teams.

By the end of the programme, you will have developed a strong technical foundation, a portfolio of real‑world experience, and a set of professional qualifications that will support your next steps in the industry - whether that’s further training, freelance work, or a role within a technical department.

Key Requirements

• Applicants will need to be available to start on October 5th for Induction Week
• Applications must be available to attend an assessment day on to be considered for interview

The working hours for this apprenticeship will vary from week to week, depending on the demands of the productions you are supporting. It is important to note that this is not a traditional 9–5 role. Theatre work often involves early starts, late finishes, and occasional weekend or evening shifts. We strongly encourage applicants to consider whether this style of working suits their lifestyle, commitments, and wellbeing. You should also think carefully about your travel arrangements and whether the journey is practical and sustainable for you throughout the programme.

The criteria used to assess applicants is intentionally flexible, as we recognise that people come to technical theatre from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. However, we do expect you to demonstrate a clear understanding of backstage technical theatre and to explain which areas interest you most and why. You will also need to show that you can learn effectively and communicate well with others. As part of a large organisation, you will be working alongside people with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and identities, so strong interpersonal skills are essential.

Finally, we are looking for individuals who can show a positive attitude towards professional working, a willingness to learn new skills, and commitment to progressing through the required coursework. Enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine interest in technical theatre will be key to your success in this role.