Creative Venue Technician Review
at Royal Ballet and Opera
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Project Management, Product Design, Engineering
London
Review Submitted: May 2025
Overall Rating
4.6 /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
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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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
No two days are the same, I move departments between every 2 and 4 weeks, and get to explore everything backstage in a theatre. I have done everything from building the sets that are going on stage, to giving cues in stage management, to op-ping a show with lighting control. It is constantly changing and super interesting.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my programme. The college work being online allows us as students the flexibility to manage our days - we can go to work and do our college call, then go back to work, it does not require us to take a day off work to go to college. Because we are a rep house, everything is changing constantly, and taking a day off every 2 weeks to attend college would be detrimental t the application of our education. The teams we work with are always enthusiastic and excited about their jobs (even the 13 hour days) and it is their constant support and encouragement that helps me develop as a technician.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt and developed so many skills. Team work is a critical skill to any job, but especially one in a building as large as ours, we require people to be able to work well in a team as well as independently to complete tasks. Being able to ask questions is an essential skill in this apprenticeship as well.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
As I mentioned in the previous question, the college segment of our apprenticeship is online, we have google meet calls often for the delivery of a task, these last about an hour, as well as reviews with college and work, and practices for our end point assessment, these are planned well in advance and work is flexible and understanding and allows us the time to take these calls.
We knew at the start of the season which departments we would be in with and when, as well as a schedule for the entire season of what is happening in basically every single room in the building - and this goes on years in advance. We are in the process of planning our next year and I know that discussions are happening with mangers of departments to ensure we get a turn at departments that we would like to return to.
We knew at the start of the season which departments we would be in with and when, as well as a schedule for the entire season of what is happening in basically every single room in the building - and this goes on years in advance. We are in the process of planning our next year and I know that discussions are happening with mangers of departments to ensure we get a turn at departments that we would like to return to.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
We receive so much support from our employer. We have regular 1-2-1's with the apprentice management team where we discuss how everything is going, if we're enjoying ourselves and ensuring we have appropriate support. We know more of the technical, production, and costume management team and we often see them and discuss how we are doing and if we are enjoying it. I have a mentor - he is a member of the team who I do not directly work with, but works in lighting so has a strong understanding of what it is that I am doing. We meet up every 3 weeks (more regularly if wanted) and discuss work, college, excel, holidays, family, how we take our tea and coffee, and about what is going on in the building.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
We have regular reviews with our college provider. We have calls to help keep on top of tasks, off the job hours, and practices of discussions in preparation for our end point assessment. They are understanding of our work commitments and work closely with the team at work to ensure we meet the criteria we need to.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I think the information we receive through our college calls is quintessential to our job. If we did not get the 'formal' education through them, we would not be able to do our jobs. They ensure we have an understanding of the rules and health and safety in the workplace, as well as teaching how to complete important documents such as risk assessments. They provide enjoyable tasks that helps us to develop and instil our knowledge as technicians.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
Our workplace offers extra-curricular activities such as the choir. As well as this they host "meetings" for LGBTQ+ groups, parents, as well as people with disabilities. These are supportive groups and help promote peoples confidence when working.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Royal Ballet and Opera to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a fun place to work - everyone gets to know everyone, and you feel supported. You are constantly learning and developing your skills. The teams are lovely to work with and there is always tea on offer - like always!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Royal Ballet and Opera?
Don't worry about not knowing "everything" because no one does. You are going to be constantly learning new things all the time and not just over the 2 years as an apprentice, this continues way through your career.
