Technical Apprentice - Opera House and Palace Theatres, Manchester

ATG Entertainment’s Technical Apprenticeships offer an excellent starting point for anyone looking to build a technical career within our diverse range of theatres and live entertainment venues across the UK. 

As an apprentice based in one of our regional or London venues, you’ll gain hands‑on experience from day one. You will work alongside our in‑house technical teams and visiting companies to support a busy and varied performance programme. All our theatres are receiving houses, meaning you will encounter a constantly changing mix of productions—ensuring you work on an exciting variety of shows and events. 

This two‑year apprenticeship includes dedicated time in lighting, flying, and stage. During the programme, you will work in at least two of our venues and be encouraged to develop your skills while taking on a wide range of responsibilities. By completion, apprentices are equipped with the skills and experience needed to work confidently as multi‑skilled theatre technicians. 

Key responsibilities 

• Work under the guidance of the Technical Manager and wider technical team across all theatre disciplines, including staging, lighting, audio, and flying. 
• Support the Technical Manager and team with building and equipment maintenance tasks. 
• Complete all assigned training provided by ATG and Creative Alliance. 
• Undertake the Creative Venue Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship as directed by Creative Alliance. 
• Attend seminars, trade shows, and industry events to broaden technical knowledge and professional development. 

ATG Entertainment is proud to stand at the forefront of the live entertainment industry.   

Our expertise and capabilities enable producers and other creatives to bring their visions to life and create unforgettable performances for audiences, presented in our landmark venues and delivered with exceptional hospitality. It is the passion of our teams, that cover every discipline across the live entertainment industry, that underpins our continuing strategic growth and success.   

We own, operate or programme some of the world’s most iconic venues; ATG Entertainment manages over 70 venues across Britain, North America, Germany and Spain.   

We are the world leader in theatre ticketing; We process more than 18 million tickets every year for hit musicals, acclaimed plays, concerts, comedy shows and a variety of other live events across the UK, North America, Germany and Spain.  

We present the world’s best live entertainment in our venues; working alongside the world’s leading producers and creative artists, our venues present an extraordinarily diverse range of top-quality entertainment.  

We produce award-winning shows; our in-house production team, ATG Productions, are dedicated to producing critically acclaimed, commercially successful and creatively ambitious work for the West End, Broadway, Continental Europe and beyond.    

Take a look at our career site Welcome to ATG Entertainment | ATG Entertainment Careers for more information about our apprenticeship scheme and find answers to some frequently asked questions. Please note we can only accept applications from those aged 17 years and over due to the nature of the role and the working hours. 

Location of work 

There will be one apprentice based in each of the following theatres. Applicants must live within a commutable distance to the venue.  Please bear in mind that you will need to be able to travel home after a late finish and long commutes are not suitable. 

Opera House and Palace Theatres, Manchester  

Throughout the apprenticeship you will be based at your home venue. You will also be expected to complete secondments to other ATG venues during your apprenticeship, this will require you to move to another area of the UK; It is therefore essential that you are happy to move during the apprenticeship to ensure that you gain a broader range of experiences, develop a wider network in the industry and encourage you to seek out job opportunities in all ATG’s theatres. All travel and accommodation for secondments away from your base venue will be paid for by ATG Entertainment. 

About you 

We are looking for candidates who: 

• Are ambitious, determined and eager to learn. 
• Are self-motivated and work well as an active member of a team. 
• Act professionally at all times, with a positive attitude to learning and work. 
• Have strong attention to detail, including planning and evaluating tasks. 
• Have an enthusiastic approach to undertaking a wide variety of duties, to be executed to the best of their ability. 
• Communicate confidently, pleasantly, and effectively with a wide range of people. 
• Enjoy working practically and have a hands-on approach to using equipment to resolve challenges. 
• Have an interest in live entertainment and working in the technical theatre industry. 

You’ll need to be equally committed to learning through on-the-job experience and off-the-job training workshops, tutorials and through building a portfolio recording your work, with support from your college tutors. 

You do not need to have worked in theatre to apply for this role. 

It is desirable to have a Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade C / 4-5) qualification in English and Maths. If you do not hold these qualifications already you will be supported to achieve them during the apprenticeship. 

If you already hold a Level 3 or higher qualification in technical theatre, please note this opportunity is not suitable; please register for our careers site job alerts for technical roles you may like to apply for.