Creative venue technician apprentice Review
at The Walt Disney Company
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Engineering
London
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a creative venue technician apprentice for Disney theatrical, my role is to learn each technical department of a west end show, my day to day consists of performing rig checks, performing maintenance on any of the equipment that needed it, and most importantly performing a “plot” which is a set of cues for a show.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
10/10. Honestly I love my job so much, it by far the best job I’ve ever had, I love theatre and wanted to be apart of it and with this apprenticeship, I have been able to do that and with Disney help I’ve learnt so many valuable skills that I can stay in the industry once my apprenticeship is over.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Many! Since joining Disney, I have learnt valuable skills such as using power tools, operating lighting, sound and automation desks, operating follow spot lights, creating puppets, flying set pieces in safely, operating a sewing machine.
I’ve definitely developed some existing skills as well such as dealing with people, since on a show your interacting with a lot of people, and being able to communicate with them in a professional and respectful manner is key.
I’ve definitely developed some existing skills as well such as dealing with people, since on a show your interacting with a lot of people, and being able to communicate with them in a professional and respectful manner is key.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I believe for the fact this is Disney theatrical groups first time doing this apprenticeship, I believe they have organised it very well, I am getting all the help I need with both collage work and within the workplace, and I do feel the collage is providing me with all the tools I need to get the qualification at the end of this course.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
All the support I need, my line manager at Disney visits me at the theatre I work in normally once a week, if not definitely once a Fortnight to discuss what I’ve been up too, where I’m at in terms of collage work, and if I needed anything I know she would sort it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
From the creative collage, I feel like I have all the tools at my disposal needed to work towards my qualifications, by using the website aptem, it’s very easy to see when I’m at in terms of progression of my apprenticeship, and if I needed help I feel my tutor would be able to provide it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
I think the creative venue technician qualification does help a lot in my role, because it give me all the theory’s I need to perform my job properly, whether that’s opening up a spot light for maintenance or knowing all the technical terms for communicating in a theatre.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes! Disney and the collage are providing me with many opportunities outside of the theatre there are many different extra stuff outside of the theatre, recently I’ve went down to Bristol for a week to oversee the Lion king tour get in, which was an amazing opportunity to network and learn how touring life is. Another example is the many events I’ve been booked to go to, like ABTT event or PLAZA.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend The Walt Disney Company to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Like I’ve said in the previous questions, Disney has treated me so well, I wake up everyday looking forward to work, and Disney has given me everything I could possibly need to start a successful career in theatre, and that’s thanks them trusting me, allowing me to get into a department and work instead of getting babysit.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to The Walt Disney Company?
Be your self, I feel that Disney looks for authenticity in their staff, also show you want to work for Disney. I think that shows once you start working for them because everyone so happy to be there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and show your willingness to learn.
