Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Scheme at the Royal Opera House
As part of our innovative scheme to provide apprenticeships across the Royal Opera House, and with the generous support of the Derek Butler Trust, we are pleased to be able to offer eight apprenticeship opportunities starting in September 2013:
- Armoury
- Collections
- Costume and Footwear Technician
- Education Tours & Events
- Scenic Carpentry
- Stage Engineering
- Technical Theatre x2
View our full list of vacancies.
Why complete an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?
Our employees who work behind the scenes are as important to our opera and ballet productions as those who perform on stage.
The Royal Opera House has been offering apprenticeships in backstage production and technical departments since 2007, providing opportunities to gain high-quality vocational training through learning on the job from people within our organization who are some of the best skilled in the industry.
Complete an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House and you will be extremely employable in your apprenticeship discipline having gained skills and work experience at a world-leading, international Opera House.
The Royal Opera House is an equal opportunities employer and is actively seeking to employ people onto our apprenticeship scheme under-represented in the workplace. Find out more details about the scheme and how to apply on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Watch these short films – Creative & Cultural Skills – Apprenticeships, The apprentices who help the Royal Opera House work – or visit our News & Features section to find out more about ROH Apprenticeships.
Armoury Apprentice
‘Taking part in this apprenticeship and working for the Royal Opera House has given me more confidence to know that I can achieve things, if I work at them. It has shown me a world I never knew about and shown me how the theatre works and all the effort and planning that goes into putting on a performance. With these skills that I have learnt here and the knowledge I have gained, it has opened my eyes to new opportunities for the future,’ says Sabrina Clarke, Armoury Apprentice.
Armoury Department
‘We love having an apprentice here in the Armoury. They are a fantastic addition to our team. We can share our passion for theatre and craft skills with them, and their enthusiasm and inquisitiveness keeps us on our toes! It’s a great transfer of experience and ideas on both parts.’
Community Arts Apprentice
‘Everyday is still really different and I am still really enjoying it. Although the work is becoming more intense, I am still enjoying the whole experience and everything that daily life with the Royal Opera House has to offer,’ says Shaun Bajnoczy, Community Arts Apprentice.
Scenic Art Department
‘The value for us as a team and as individuals of having our apprentices is hugely beneficial. All of our work is about collaboration, which in turn is successful if communication is excellent. Having our apprentices has shown that the process of imparting knowledge to them and seeing how they quickly learn and appreciate this opportunity is also humbling and inspiring.’
Scenic Artist Apprentice
‘I really enjoy being taught by somebody that has a lot of experience and knowledge who takes you under their wing. I think this is the best way to learn,’ says Louisa Mozzilli, Scenic Arts Apprentice.
The Royal Opera House would not be able to offer the wide range of apprenticeships for young people without the generous support of The Derek Butler Trust, John Lyon’s Charity, The Headley Trust, Gordon Foundation, the Ashley Family Foundation, the Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers Charitable Trust and an anonymous donor.
