Theatre Technician Apprentice

Theatre Technician Apprentice

This is an exciting opportunity for someone ambitious, practical and passionate about live performances to begin their career in technical theatre within Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust. Working across our Trust schools, you will support rehearsals, productions and events while completing a Production Technician (Live Events) Apprenticeship.

You will work closely with experienced technicians and teaching staff to support students, maintain safe performance spaces and develop hands-on skills in lighting, sound, rigging and stage operations. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role for someone eager to learn, develop professionally and work as part of a creative team.

Key Responsibilities

• Support technical set-ups and operation for rehearsals, performances and events across Trust schools
• Assist with lighting, sound, rigging and stage equipment, including get-ins and get-outs
• Willing and able to work at heights
• Supervise and support students in technical and production areas, promoting safe working practices
• Maintain equipment, report faults and help ensure production spaces are safe, secure and well organised
• Reporting any defects of any equipment and taking said equipment out of service until repaired. 
• To become familiar with the Health and safety at Work Act 1974. 
• Work collaboratively with staff, visiting companies and front-of-house teams
• Follow the Trust’s health and safety policies and always ensure industry best practice
• Attend apprenticeship training and actively engage in professional development

About You

• A passion for theatre and live performance and events and a desire to pursue a career in technical theatre
• Enthusiastic, reliable and eager to learn
• Always acts professionally around staff and students
• Hands-on, practical and comfortable working with equipment
• A strong team player with good communication skills
• Organised and safety-conscious in your approach

Qualifications required

• Numeracy, literacy and IT skills to a good standard
• A Certificate in First Aid is desirable but not essential
• Experience of working in live events desirable but not essential

Our students, staff, parents/carers and governors are all focused on modelling and demonstrating the school’s Values and Expectations. In this role this means:

Cockburn MAT Values

Resilience – You take a proactive approach to prioritising work, supporting the team and getting the job done.

Responsible – You have a ‘can do’ attitude and work as a team player and meet deadlines on time.

Aspirational – You seek out opportunities for your own personal learning and apply it to your apprenticeship.

Independent – You act on your initiative and under the guidance of the Director of Music.

Respectful – You demonstrate a mature outlook, are a customer focused team member and follow the code of conduct at all times.

Cockburn MAT Expectations – 5 P’s

Pride – You take pride in your job and pay attention to detail.

Positive – You are confident, able to develop positive working relationships and communicate effectively with others.

Polite – You are helpful and show a willingness to go the extra mile.

Prepared – You are organised and are always where you should be when you should be with the right resources.

Punctual – Your attendance and timekeeping are excellent and you act as a role model to others.

 

Location:

The apprenticeship is located across the Trust’s schools. However, it may be that, from time to time, you will be required to work on different duties, or in any other jobs within your competence, such jobs in your present location or any other location as may be deemed appropriate. A full clean driving license is essential.

Hours:

An average of 40 hours per week, including some evening work. Additional hours, including work on a Saturday and Sunday, will be required during term time. Excess hours, and hours worked on a Saturday are taken off in lieu (based on flat time) at times to suit operational needs (normally during school holidays). Sunday and Bank Holiday working may be required from time to time. The precise distribution of hours is to be determined in consultation with your line manager.

Job Security and Promotion:

This a fixed term post available for the duration of the apprenticeship.  Whilst there are no guarantees given to a subsequent permanent post, given that we have invested in your training and development we are confident that there will be opportunities for employees who demonstrate excellence in how they meet our values and expectations as well as in their job.  Cockburn MAT invests heavily in staff development which has been recognised by achieving Investors in People Gold accreditation.

Professional development:

All apprentices will have a thorough induction and personalised development plan with an identified buddy and/or mentor. You will receive regular feedback about how you are doing.

Pay & Reward:

This role will be paid at the equivalent of national minimum wage for your age group from April 2026 in line with any increases to the national minimum wage.

Age 18-20

£10.85 per hour

Age 21 and over 

£12.71 per hour

There are a range of other benefits which are detailed in your application pack, and you will be provided with a free lunch for the first year of your apprenticeship.

Safeguarding:

Cockburn MAT is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, and applicants will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure. Please note that a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining employment; this will depend on the circumstances and background to any offence.