Apprentice Scenic Automation Technician

Summary

If you enjoy variety, creativity and problem solving then being a theatre technician can be the most enjoyable job in the world The National Theatre are offering an exciting opportunity to become an apprentice scenic automation technician while learning about and understanding the role of an Automation technician within the performing arts industry

Annual wage: £28,808 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Scenic automation technician (level 3)
Hours: You will be asked to work evenings or weekend, in which case you will be given Time Off in Lieu. Shifts to be confirmed
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 17 March
Duration: 2 years
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

You will work in all areas where the Technical Department work, supervised and supported by members of the Technical Department
You will be working with Stages, Stage Engineering & Automation
You will collect evidence of the work you do and make a portfolio showing how you have used your skills in the workplace
Under the direction of NT Staff, clean, maintain and use a range of Mechanical lifting and rigging equipment
Experience the setup, testing, commissioning and fault finding of Automation equipment and systems
Work backstage on shows and events when required, installing and operating technical equipment. This will sometimes involve evening and weekend work
Work to agreed deadlines
Learn how to work at height or in small spaces safely (Sometimes in low-light levels)
Participate in safety checks, and weekly planning meetings
Maintain high standards of operations and good housekeeping at all times
Always work safely, following the NT’s Health and Safety policy
Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate, including visiting other workplaces on placement
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the National Theatre’s representatives

At all times you will be expected to:

Take responsibility for being on time and always working safely and considerately
Take responsibility for completing your college work and making sure your manager knows when a college assessor is visiting.
Behave professionally, including keeping workspaces neat and tidy
To work at height and sometimes in small spaces, training will be given to you before you do this
You will sometimes be asked to work evenings and weekends, and will be given time off in the week to make up for it (this is called Time Off in Lieu - TOIL)

By the end of the apprenticeship you will have a working knowledge of:

How to safely use theatrical flying, lifting and rigging systems, which suspend scenery (and sometimes actors) off the floor
The operation and programming of automated equipment
Safety systems and equipment needed to operate automated stage machinery
Electrical, mechanical and hydraulic engineering that forms the NTs automation infrastructure
Read, understand and use a range of theatre related plans
Write and follow a basic Risk Assessment
Identify a range of theatre technical equipment and understand its uses
Operate under supervision a range of technical theatre equipment
Understand theatre jargon and processes
Create, follow and update paperwork used on shows

Where you’ll work

ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE

UPPER GROUND

LONDON

SE1 9PX

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE LIMITED

Your training course

Scenic automation technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Use a range of tools. For example, power tools, measuring tools and instrumentation to affect repairs to the automation system.
Read, interpret and amend technical drawings.
Visually inspect equipment to ensure compliance.
Operate machinery to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Operate automation controls safely.
Isolate equipment when required.
Prioritise work to meet objectives
Keep a record of projected and actual expenditure related to installation or maintenance.
Schedule workload and write a plan of works as required.
Follow a method statement or instructions of a system set up.
Clearly log repairs identified and undertaken as required.
Use safe methods of system rigging and de-rigging, following verbal and written instructions.
Undertake fault finding in components and systems.
Undertake dynamic risk assessments and sign-on to and follow those risk assessments already established by others.
Choose or use equipment or components and process and materials with regard to their recycling and sustainability impact.
Use a range of tools. For example, power tools, measuring tools and instrumentation to affect repairs to the automation system.
Read, interpret and amend technical drawings.
Visually inspect equipment to ensure compliance.
Operate machinery to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Operate automation controls safely.
Isolate equipment when required.
Prioritise work to meet objectives
Keep a record of projected and actual expenditure related to installation or maintenance.
Schedule workload and write a plan of works as required.
Follow a method statement or instructions of a system set up.
Clearly log repairs identified and undertaken as required.
Use safe methods of system rigging and de-rigging, following verbal and written instructions.
Undertake fault finding in components and systems.
Undertake dynamic risk assessments and sign-on to and follow those risk assessments already established by others.
Choose or use equipment or components and process and materials with regard to their recycling and sustainability impact.

Your training plan

Scenic Automation Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative

Other requirements

This is a Level 3 apprenticeship, therefore applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT hold a theatre based degree, or a post graduate qualification, or have professional experience of working backstage in a theatre beyond entry level positions. Applicants with STEM based degrees looking to transfer to the creative sector would be considered.

About this company

Based on the South Bank in Waterloo, London, the National Theatre (NT), has three theatres, a bookshop, cafes and bars which are all open to the public. Behind the scenes, there are workshops where we make sets, props and costumes for the shows, spaces for actors to rehearse and offices for all the administration staff. The National Theatre Apprenticeship Programme has recently been awarded the Princess Royal Training Award for outstanding training and skills development. The National Theatre (NT) makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. We share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on our own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home.

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/home/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is designed to be the next step in developing a career as an automation technician
Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post at the NT, this is an area of specialisation where there is a skills gap in the theatre sector, and we would expect there to be good opportunities for further work in the sector on completion of the apprenticeship

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