APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES AT THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE
Those who work behind the scenes in opera and ballet are as important to our productions as those who perform on stage, which is one of the reasons why we launched our innovative Apprenticeship Scheme.
Complete one of our Apprenticeships and you will be extremely employable in your apprenticeship discipline, you will have increased your general life skills, and you will have gained experience of working for one of the world's leading international opera houses.
We are planning to offer apprenticeships in a variety of backstage departments. Over the next few years we plan to expand this exciting new programme.
The Apprenticeship
• Each apprenticeship lasts two years
• During this time you will study a relevant course (NVQ Level 2 or 3) leading to a recognised qualification at college, on either day release or block release basis.
• The college you attend will be within the Greater London area and will depend on the discipline the apprenticeship is in.
• Throughout the apprenticeship you will receive support from your college tutor, your line manager and a mentor.
• When you are not at college you will be working under supervision in the relevant department of The Royal Opera House. During this time you will be able to put into practice the skills you are learning at college, as well as gaining workplace evidence to put toward your qualification. As you progress you will be able to work with less supervision.
Pay and Conditions
• You will be contracted to work up to 40 hours per week
• You will be paid a rate of pay in line with the statutory framework, which reflects the amount of training and experience you will receive.
• In addition to your time at college you will be entitled to four weeks holiday, plus statutory holidays, per year.
Requirements
• Previous relevant experience is not required.
• Ideally you will have a helpful, positive and flexible approach, be punctual and good at managing your own workload and be self-motivated to acquire new skills and knowledge.
• Due to health and safety regulations you must be over 18 on 1 September 2008 to start on the apprenticeship.
• Recruitment to the programme will be subject to a selection process.
The small print
You should note that these apprenticeships are intended for those embarking on a backstage educational pathway, with the ambition to develop a career working behind the scenes in theatre.
If you already have a theatre related degree, or theatre-related higher education qualification, or significant previous theatre experience you will not be eligible for consideration for this programme. Please look at our list of current job vacancies or opportunities for work experience instead.
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.