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Stage & Screen Costume Technician

A Costume Technician Apprentice is an essential part of the costume department, working behind the scenes in theatre, film, and television to support the creation, maintenance, and fitting of costumes that bring characters to life. 

Under the guidance of experienced costume designers, cutters, and wardrobe supervisors, they gain hands-on experience in various aspects of costume production. Their training covers fabric selection, garment construction, tailoring, and alterations, enabling them to contribute to the building of costumes that meet both the creative vision and functional requirements of the production.

Working closely with costume and production teams, apprentices develop a deep understanding of historical and contemporary fashion, the role of costume in character development, and how to adapt costumes to reflect a character’s personality and the story’s setting. By the end of the apprenticeship, they are well-equipped with the technical and collaborative skills necessary to work in costume departments across the entertainment industry.

Typical Job Roles:
  • Costume Technician 
  • Costume Assistant 
  • Stitcher 
  • Costume Maker 
  • Alterations Specialist

 

Duration
15 months
Level
3
What you need to apply
  • Right to work in the UK
  • Lived in the UK for the past 3 years
  • A grade of 4/C GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English
  • Not previously studied the course content at the same or higher level
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Career Progression

Marketing Executive
Level 4
Marketing Manager
Level 6

After completing your Level 4, you will be a working professional. To further develop you can do another apprenticeship to gain new knowledge and skills in the industry. 

Career Progression

After completing your Level 3, you will be a working professional. To further develop you can do another apprenticeship to gain new knowledge and skills in the industry. 

Marketing Executive
Level 4
Marketing Manager
Level 6

Course Overview

The Apprenticeship

Topics and Qualifications

Throughout the 15-month qualification, there are 16 topics, these will change sequence for every apprentice and their placement. These topics will include:

01
Introduction to costume for stage and screen

An introduction to the training or apprenticeship program.

02
Introduction to the portfolio

Identifying and applying time management techniques to help structure tasks.

03
Departmental structure and equality, diversity and inclusion

Structure, vision and purpose of the setting & importance of your role.

04
Data protection and safeguarding

How current workplace safeguarding and data protection impact the role.

05
Communication Techniques

Evaluates the effectiveness of your communication techniques.

06
Administrative Requirements

Explain the departmental administrative & record keeping requirments.

07
Health and Safety

Complies with health, safety and security policies, including wearing PPE.

08
Sustainability

The impact of following sustainable practices with industry standards.

09
Costume Preparation & Scheduling

How to identify clothing and other costume elements.

10
Photographic Records and Dressing Notes

Undertands dressing protocols & how to work collaboratively.

11
Costume Maintenance

How to maintain costumes for performance.

12
Costume Storage

Evaluate the different packing techniques to avoid damage.

13
Introduction to EPA

Understanding the requirements for EPA.

14
Finalising the portfolio and interview techniques

Finishing portfolio projects and preparing for interviews.

15
Practical preparation

Preparing for EPA.

15
Mock practical

Preparing for EPA.

Timeline

Months 1-4
  • Preparing for your apprenticeship
  • Preparing for your Employer
  • Off-the-Job Training
  • Topics
  • Projects
Months 5-8
  • Off-the-Job Training
  • Topics
Months 9-12
  • Off-the-Job Training
  • Projects
Months 12-15
  • Off-the-Job Training
  • Gateway and End Point Assessment Preparation
  • End Point Assessment

End point Assessment

The End-Point Assessment is done in the final part of the apprenticeship and is how the apprentice is judged of their learning. There are two elements to the End Point Assessment. 

The Costume Technician End Point Assessment (EPA) involves the following: 

  • Assessment Method One:
    Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence 
  • Assessment Method Two:
    Practical assessment with questioning
Fast Track
your success
Earn a salary
Develop understandings from experts
Learn in real world scenario’s
Gain a Recognised Certificate

Start your career today

If you’re ready to go further, become an apprentice.

Training

Apprentices learn the skills they need on the job with the guidance of a development coach who is an expert in the industry. You’ll finish your apprenticeship with a recognised qualification, valuable industry experience, money, and substantial opportunities for promotion.

Apprentices learn the skills they need on the job with the guidance of a development coach who is an expert from industry. You’ll finish your apprenticeship with a recognised qualification, valuable industry experience, money, and substantial opportunities for promotion.

  • Centre based/Online learning
  • Work based training
  • One to one

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