Apprenticeships – Case Studies

Hermina Chance, Hair, Wigs and Make-up

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

I was first told about the apprenticeship by friend who had seen it online.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I applied because I thought it would be a better way to get my foot in the theatre door rather than just doing a college course. As I was going to go college anyway, why not get paid and work in a great place too? That way I could earn while also learning from industry professionals.

Describe a typical day as an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.

It could be anything from dressing a wig, doing four or five quick changes on a show or running around work on a dancer’s hair and make-up. There are no two days the same in this building.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

I attend college one day a week where I study hairdressing and theatrical and special effects make-up. I am well supported in both college and work. Both ask what I am doing in each place so they can help me achieve what I need to. They both also give me the space and time to get all my work completed.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

The hands-on experience that I get working on rehearsals and shows, and the support that I receive on a day-to-day basis from the department.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

No, it is actually a lot more. Which is a great thing! I get a lot of responsibility, working on my own plots with artists which really allows me to challenge myself in areas that I did not think I would get the chance to.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My goal is to see what other areas of the industry have to offer, such as film and TV, and to build on what I have learnt during my time as an apprentice.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?

JUST DO IT. You have everything to gain and nothing to lose!

Lauren-Holly Cooper, Technical Theatre

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

A girl from my school had applied the year before so my teacher recommended that I apply for it.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I did not want to go to university and was very interested in backstage production and therefore applied for the apprenticeship.

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.

It is quite hard to describe a ‘typical day’ as every day is different. There is a lot of running around and being hands on when you are needed but there is also a lot of standing back and watching other people do things so that you can learn in order for you to be able to be hands-on next time. There is quite a bit of downtime but that allows you to reflect on the things you have learnt and to chat to your colleagues to build up relations and contacts with them.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

It is demanding. However you get adequate time to work on both and the training and experience you get from the apprenticeship is worth it.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

The new people that I meet and the knowledge that I learn.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

No, I had only seen the backstage of productions at my high school so I had no clue what it would be like in a real theatre, let alone the Royal Opera House. It is very full on and quite serious but everyone is friendly and welcoming which makes it a lot easier.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to work as a freelancer in theatres across London and possibly go on tours across the world.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?

Just do it, be yourself and show your enthusiasm!

Danielle Patrick, Broadcast communications apprentice

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

On the government website, National Apprenticeship Service.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I have a keen interest in theatre and media so applying for this apprenticeship was a no brainer!

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.

It is hard to describe a typical day, as every day is completely different from the next! I usually start the day with collating social media and TV/Radio coverage to send out to all staff and artists. Following that, I could be doing anything from photographing a rehearsal, writing up call sheets for film crews, taking talent to TV and radio interviews, chaperoning film crews around the building, arranging film and photography shoots for crews around the world that would like to collaborate with us, filming or editing for social media to sitting at my desk to sort out cinema tickets for press around the UK.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

I find the balance perfect. I attend the college course every three months for one week and it fits in very nicely with my work schedule.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

I honestly enjoy everything about my apprenticeship. The things I have experienced are just surreal. I have travelled the UK, taking photos of screening events. I have worked with well known film crews and publishing companies around the world. I have even worked on a photo shoot and interview with Billy Joel! I am getting real life experience from people who are working at the top of their game – the people I get to work with inspire me every day. I love coming to work.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

The apprenticeship is more than I expected. I have already learnt so many important life lessons and skills to help me in the future. My confidence has grown massively and it is all thanks to my incredible work colleagues.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I am still not sure. I am only nine months into my apprenticeship and feel I still have so much more to learn and experience. I feel I am drifting towards film production and camera work at the moment, but things could change. I came into the apprenticeship thinking I knew what I wanted my future to be but after learning so much about different creative crafts, I am now unsure!

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?

I could not recommend it more. This building and the people in it are incredible. When I first applied for the role, I thought there was no way I would be good enough to work here, but that is not true. The confidence and optimism that has grown in me since working here is insane, I am a completely different person, for the better. If you are reading this and thinking you would not get it or you are not good enough… you definitely are!

Harry Prescott, Scenic Metalwork

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

Originally, my girlfriend spotted the job advertised online and sent me a link, however my initial application was unsuccessful. Following this, I had the chance to do work experience, which I loved, and I then registered my email address to receive any job vacancies.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I have always been good with my hands and took an interest in welding, but I did not want to work in a factory or building site where the process can be repetitive. I wanted a variety of things to make which were creative, and I definitely needed something more challenging. The environment seemed perfect and as I am interested in theatre, it is a great chance to learn more about different productions too and see how the set is created.

Describe a typical day as an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.

Most days, I will be constructing metal frames that are assembled into the scenery. The frames are often unique shapes that require a bit of problem solving; making sure they are strong enough to hold a lot of weight and working out the best place to fix the frames together. However, there is not really a typical day as I am able to work on various projects. I have made some really interesting bits of scenery and I am always learning more every day. No two days are the same.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

I have one day a week at college and it is a good chance to work on my welding skills and to gain more knowledge about welding. I like spending the majority of my time in the Royal Opera House workshop because that is where I learn the most and I enjoy the responsibilities I am given in my tasks.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

My favourite thing is seeing the scenery up in the build area, both parts that I have worked on and parts others in the workshop have made. I still cannot believe that I get to work on the huge structures that get test fitted in there.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

It is much better than I expected. I thought I would be doing a lot of watching of people work or making of some simpler things, but I get to make some really complicated bits of scenery and I am really learning a lot each day.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would like to work freelance for a bit and be able to work in a variety of places. The freelancers that I have worked with at the Royal Opera House have worked in some really interesting places. I hope to eventually come back to the Royal Opera House though, it is an amazing place to work.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?

I am so glad that I applied for the apprenticeship. I had never thought of working backstage before and after seeing the workshop for the first time I knew I had to work there. I would highly recommend applying for the work experience too, I did it before I got the apprenticeship and it pretty much confirmed that this is what I want to do. Everyone I work with has been supportive and welcoming, and the whole team have made me enjoy every single day.

Roshan Panarkar, Finance

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

On the Indeed website.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

It offered me a pathway into finance as well as gaining a professional qualification.

Describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.

For me in the finance department, my typical day consists of doing a variety of tasks. That might be working on the sales ledger or purchase ledger or even assisting senior members of staff with their work.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

The workplace and college balance is really good. I study for 20% of the time, which includes going to college once every other week and I am provided study time to meet this requirement.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

College and the chance to gain on-the-job experience and new skills.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

Yes, it is near enough what I expected.

What are your ambitions for the future?

To reach the top – to get fully qualified and get to director level.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?

I would make sure you do your research when applying for anything, so you know what you are talking about. Invest the time into your application and tailor it as much as possible. Explain how you can transfer any skills that you have gained already into the Royal Opera House.

Lauren Swalwell, Flys and Automation / Mechanical Engineering

Where did you see the apprenticeship advertised?

I saw an advert on Indeed.

What made you apply for the apprenticeship?

I wanted a change in my career but was not sure what I wanted to do. I have always loved theatre and been interested in how it comes to life. I had previously done some engineering and restoring motorbike engines so it seemed logical to try and combine two things I love.

Can you describe a ‘typical day’ as an apprentice at the Royal Opera House.

Most days start with a morning handover from the overnight upgrade team to make sure it is safe for people to be on stage. Then we have a toolbox talk on stage to discuss the morning’s plans. We then fly the changeover either resetting the show from the night before or changing into a new show ready for a rehearsal or matinee. After the morning’s rehearsal or show we have another change over into the evening's show. Every day can differ – some days I operate the flying all day, other days I can be building tracks and hanging built sets. Sometimes we have to get creative with pulleys and brailing to get things to hang like they were imagined.

How do you find the workplace/college balance?

So far the balance has been good. I go to college once a week, and I do any assignments or NVQ work in the down time during shows or on my days off. Plus, some of the work that I have to do for college is just my day to day job so I just get photos and evidence whilst I am doing them. They key for me is to stay on top of my work and get it done as soon as possible so I can focus on my job rather than the college work.

What do you enjoy most about your apprenticeship?

I love the flexibility and that it is forever changing. Although the basics of the flying do not change, every show is different and can come with new challenges which keeps you on your toes. I get to move between up-stage, mid-stage and down-stage which can vary the amount of flying and the materials you are flying. I also get the opportunity to work on stage helping move and hang sets/cloths or building rigging and tracks.

Is the apprenticeship what you expected?

I was not really sure what to expect when I started. It was an area that I did not know much about. But everyone was really welcoming and helped me start to learn about the job very quickly. From what was described in the job description it has met my expectations.

What are your ambitions for the future?

My main ambition right now is to work my way up gaining as much knowledge and experience as I can and one day hopefully to tour the world with a show. Maybe one day even I will work my way up the ladder to be head of stage or a technical leader.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at the Royal Opera House?

Go for it! Do a bit of research into the job role to make sure it sounds like it is for you and apply. Even if you do not end up getting the apprenticeship you will have gained the interview experience. It may also show you what you need to do or where to gain experience so that next time you will get on better or you will get one elsewhere.

Apprenticeships are generously supported by the Derek Butler Trust, Gatsby Charitable Foundation, Headley Trust, The John Beckwith Charitable Trust, John Lyon’s Charity, the Linbury Trust and other donors who wish to remain anonymous.