An Apprenticeship gives you the chance to learn with some of the most accomplished and recognised practitioners in the UK theatre industry. Combining hands-on training with relevant study, you can earn while you learn. We want everyone to have the opportunity to explore a career in theatre and learn from our award-winning teams. On this page you can find out what an apprenticeship is, if you are eligible and how to apply.
Latest news
Find out the latest from the apprenticeship scheme
Our 2025/26 Apprentices have now begun, with fourteen apprentices starting their journey across the organisation while attending their apprenticeship college courses.
This new intake will gain hands-on experience working behind the scenes at the Royal Ballet and Opera, based across the Royal Opera House and supporting areas of the organisation. Through practical, on-the-job learning and expert mentoring, apprentices will develop the skills and knowledge needed to build long-term careers in the cultural and creative industries.
We continue to be committed to offering high-quality apprenticeship opportunities that open doors to a wide range of roles within a world-class ballet and opera company. We now have information about the positions opening in 2026.
Open Apprenticeship Opportunities
Apprenticeship roles starting in September 2026 have now been confirmed, offering young people the chance to begin their careers behind the scenes at a world-class ballet and opera company.
These Level 2/3 apprenticeships provide hands-on experience, expert mentoring, and the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, creative environment where productions come to life through teamwork, technical skill, and collaboration. Opportunities span backstage technical roles, workshops, music operations, learning and participation, retail, archives, metalwork, and business services. Each role is designed for individuals at the very start of their career who are keen to learn on the job, build practical skills, and gain real workplace experience.
Applications for 2026/27 Apprenticeships will open soon. Please visit our Current Vacancies page to apply when recruitment goes live.
About
“My apprenticeship has taught me invaluable on-the-job experience that textbook learning cannot provide. I have also made lots of connections that have helped me to network and improve my knowledge of the industry.”
The apprenticeships scheme
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to opening up opportunities for everyone to enjoy a career in theatre making, from backstage to business support services. We want to invite people to use their skills and enthusiasm in as many areas of the organisation as possible.
Our apprenticeships are aimed at offering an alternative pathway into the industry for individuals to learn through practice. As well as exciting experiences apprentices gain a relevant industry qualification, so they can graduate with transferable skills to take into careers in the industry and beyond.
Since 2007 our production, technical and business support teams have been committed to ensuring our apprentices have a world class experience. Over 88% of our apprentices stay working in the Creative Industries, many of them joining the workforce with the Royal Ballet and Opera.
The application
Royal Ballet and Opera apprenticeships are open to people who are aged 18 or over on the start date, have authorisation to work in the UK and do not have a degree-level (or equivalent) qualification. No other specific qualifications are necessary, although a few apprenticeships that we offer have minimum GCSE requirements. This will be made clear as part of the application process.
We have different opportunities on offer each year and are announced in April on this webpage. Apprenticeships are often available in Technical Theatre, Costume making, Scenic Metalwork and Carpentry as well as in Marketing, Learning & Participation and Business Administration. We do not offer design-based apprenticeships.
How it works
“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.”
Details of the scheme
Most apprenticeships last two years (a few last longer). Apprentices will work between 40 and 42.5 working hours a week and spend approximately one day per week at college. All apprenticeships involve an element of study for an apprenticeship standard (Level Three).
All apprentices are paid the National Living Wage, rising by 2.5% in the second year. Apprentices are expected to use this to pay for their own travel to work and college. No accommodation is offered as part of the scheme.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to making opportunities accessible to people of all backgrounds. Read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
A day in the life
“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.”
Meet our apprentices
Each apprenticeship is different and offers unique opportunities. Read our diary entries to find out what apprentices do each day and what they love about their roles. You can also watch short clips that give behind-the-scenes insight.
Apprenticeships are generously supported by The Derek Butler Trust, CHK Foundation, The Portal Trust, The Porter Foundation, The Robert Gavron Charitable Trust, The Peter Cruddas Foundation, The Gatsby Charitable Foundation, The Headley Trust, The Amar-Franses and Foster-Jenkins Trust, The Kirby Laing Foundation, The Harold William Sanderson Art in Industry Fund, Whitney Gore and Pierre Chaboussant, The Radcliffe Trust, The M. I. Charitable Trust, The Gordon Foundation and The Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund.