photography apprentice jobs

Technical Theatre Apprentice

Mayflower are recruiting for a Technical Theatre Apprentice to support and develop a Creative Venue Technician through a structured apprenticeship, combining practical, hands-on experience with formal study. Working as part of the Technical & Production teams at both our Theatre and Studios venues, the apprentice will learn how to contribute to the safe and effective delivery of live performances, events and productions.

The role is designed to build capability across key technical disciplines, including lighting, sound and stage, giving the apprentice broad exposure to how performances are prepared, delivered and taken down. Under the guidance of experienced technicians, the apprentice will develop both the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to work confidently in a busy theatre environment.

Alongside on the job learning, the apprentice will work towards a Level 3 Creative Industries Production Technician qualification, supported by dedicated study time in collaboration with Chichester College.

The role focuses not only on technical development, but also on building strong working practices, an understanding of health and safety, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and visiting companies.

Overall, the role provides a supported entry point into the live events and theatre industry, with the aim of developing a skilled, confident and adaptable technician who can contribute to high-quality productions and continue to grow within the profession.

The role will be offered based on a fixed term 24-month contract, at 42 hours per week, including dedicated study time. Due to the nature of the role, weekend and evening working are required.

Key responsibilities will be:

• Develop practical skills across lighting, sound, video and staging, including rigging, operation and maintenance
• Assist with constructing and operating scenery and flying systems
• Support production get-ins and get-outs, including safe loading and unloading
• Interpret technical plans and work to design briefs and production deadlines
• Use tools and access equipment safely, including working at height with appropriate PPE
• Support safe, clean and organised working and storage areas
• Assist with live performances, including show operation, cueing and pre/post-show checks
• Learn and apply health and safety legislation within a live events environment
• Develop knowledge of the theatre industry, including key organisations and practices
• Work collaboratively with others and independently when required
• Commit to ongoing learning, including independent research and industry awareness
• Complete a Level 3 Apprenticeship with Chichester College, including coursework and end point assessment
• Work with a workplace mentor to support development and portfolio completion
• Complete any required functional skills training (Maths and English)

Our ideal applicant will have:

Essential qualities:

• A clear interest in technical theatre and live events, with a demonstrable ambition to build a career in this field
• Evidence of previous engagement with technical theatre or live events (community, academic, amateur or professional), with the ability to describe involvement and learning
• A positive and proactive attitude to learning, including willingness to attend college and work towards the apprenticeship standard
• An enthusiastic, committed and flexible approach to work, including the ability to work evenings, weekends and other antisocial hours
• Good punctuality and effective time management, with examples of reliable attendance in education or employment
• Basic computer literacy, including confidence in using common software or systems
• Experience of working independently, including taking initiative and carrying out research to build knowledge or solve problems

Eligibility criteria:

All of the eligibility criteria are mandatory and reflect the apprenticeship funding rules set by the Department for Education.

• To be able to apply, applicants must be aged 18 or over by 1 October 2026, have the right to work in the UK, and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three consecutive years before the programme begins.
• This apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are starting out in the industry, so applicants should not already hold a degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject, regardless of where it was obtained. Similarly, candidates should not have more than six months’ previous experience working in a technical theatre role, as this would suggest an existing skill level above that of the apprenticeship.
• While not essential, it is expected that applicants will usually have achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (or grade C) or above. That said, we’re open to considering strong candidates who may not meet this requirement but can demonstrate the potential to succeed in the role.

Mayflower is committed to safeguarding - protecting young people and adults with needs for care and support. As such, any roles involving any type of regulated activity with young people and adults with needs for care and support are subject to a safer recruitment process, including Enhanced DBS clearance before taking up the role along with the collection of references. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding, diversity & inclusion and safer working practice across Mayflower.

We understand that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to assist with their application. If you do, we kindly encourage you to keep the following in mind:

• Let your personality shine through: AI-generated responses can sometimes feel generic or impersonal. Your application is a chance to showcase your unique experiences, skills, and enthusiasm—make sure your voice comes through clearly.
• Show your genuine interest: A personal touch can make a big difference. Applications that reflect your own words and motivations often stand out more and help us get to know you better.
• Be accurate and honest: It’s important that all information you provide is truthful and genuinely reflects your background and experience.
• Prepare for the next steps: If your application relies heavily on AI, it may be harder to speak confidently about your experiences during interviews. We want you to feel prepared and authentic throughout the process.

The job description can be found at the bottom of our job advert on our recruitment portal located on https://www.mayflower.org.uk/about/jobs-and-opportunities/ . This is also where you can find the information of how to apply.

We are committed to ensuring a fair process for all candidates. For more details, please see our Diversity and Inclusion statement on our website’s jobs and opportunities page on the link above.

If you require any assistance or have any additional requirements to complete your application with the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Team at recruitment@mayflower.org.uk or on 02380 711800 ext. 0. You can also contact us with any further questions you may have.

Interviews for this role will be held: 23rd July 2026

Pay: £12.71 per hour

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free flu jabs
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance

Work Location: In person