Royal Opera House invites apprenticeships as it reopens its doors

Over the last fourteen years the ROH has trained and paid 66 production and technical apprentices from entry level, expanding the programme into its computing, communications and finance departments. Almost 90 percent of them have gone on to secure careers with an international range of companies and creative arts projects. The scheme has created a resource of highly trained specialists and this year it is adding event management and social media to the list of apprenticeship opportunities in order to encourage and expand the diversity of talent in the creative sphere.

With the cachet of being apprenticed to such a prestigious company and the opportunity to learn a vocation with some of the world’s most celebrated creatives, competition for the eight places is bound to be tough.

As the largest UK employer of artists outside the BBC, the ROH has done much to support and maintain its prized workforce throughout the pandemic to ensure that it has the world-class skillset needed for its ambitious programme of opera and ballet. It has particularly concentrated on opening up its work to young talent that reflects the nature of the UK’s communities.

As a former Technical Theatre Apprentice, James, said, ‘To sum up the last two years, it has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges and very steep learning curves, I’ve had the chance to work with some of the best in the business, on some of the newest and biggest shows and some of the oldest and most prestigious. I’ve made some great friends and the opera house while teaching me a lot as a technician, it has also taught me many things about myself and opened so many opportunities.’

Former Stage Engineering apprentice Priya added, ‘My apprenticeship has given me the confidence to do all the things I’m done since, from working on The X-Factor set with Scott Fleary Productions, to planning a volunteering trip overseas to use my skills to build houses for those most in need. I don’t even bite my nails anymore, that’s how much I’ve grown in confidence!’

And Scenic Art Apprentice Danny said, ‘The working environment is fantastic. Everyone is so friendly, and it is great to have the opportunity to learn my trade from professionals at the top of their game. I still cannot quite believe how lucky I am. Being chosen as the scenic artist apprentice was nothing short of miraculous for me and my future career. I am so pleased to rise out of bed each morning knowing what fun lies ahead of me in the day, even if it is a 5am wake up. Surely that is when you know you are in the right job.’ 

The 2021 Royal Opera House apprenticeships were launched on 12 May and applications can be made via the links below:  

• Technical Theatre
• Costume
• Hair, Wigs and Make-Up
• Scenic Carpentry
• Social Media
• L&P Events