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 do this by supporting emerging Welsh talent with life-changing learning experiences, practical workshops, and technical apprenticeships. Backstage theatre technicians play a vital role in delivering live performances, ensuring each production is produced to the highest possible standard. This benefits every venue, the production company and most crucially, the paying audience.

This scheme is in response to a UK-wide shortage of qualified theatre technicians because the future of the arts in depends on the training and experience of the next generation of technicians.

Our programme is unique, as it offers participants the opportunity to get a year of hands-on backstage experience in one of the busiest venues in Britain. Not only that, but we also offer placements at regional partner organisations across Wales, nurturing them for the professional workplace and performing high quality theatre practice.

Apprentices will work on exciting, world-class productions from traditional large-scale operas like the Welsh National Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro, to iconic contemporary West-End musicals like Disney’s The Lion King, to Matthew Bourne’s stunning interpretation of The Red Shoes, or to The National Theatre’s trailblazing production of War Horse.

The Technical Apprentice Scheme makes a real difference to individuals over the course of a year. Upon completion, apprentices gain the accreditation and qualifications necessary to having a career in technical theatre.

The scheme is run in conjunction with Cardiff & Vale College, where individuals will gain a Level 3 certification in Technical Theatre: Sound, Light and Stage and they will also obtain the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) Bronze Award focussing on flying practice, ropes & knots, and electrical care.

We also offer certification in Rigging, PAT Testing and IPAF training. For any apprentices who lack GCSEs in English or Maths, there is also training and a qualification in basic numeracy and literacy available.

This is a well-rounded, work-based learning experience. Our objective is simple, to foster young practitioners with a passion for the live arts gaining the necessary skills and attitude needed to excel in a career in backstage theatre, benefiting the cultural sector across Wales and beyond.

Apprentices will receive one year of full-time, paid, employment. They will benefit from an array of personal and professional skills (collaboration, communications, independence, and accountability) with increased confidence and self-belief.

To secure their future career in the arts, we will support the connections made throughout the 12-months and provide valuable resources in order to thrive within the sector after their placement.