Apprentice Prop Maker

Overview:

We are seeking an Apprentice to join our prop making team. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in gaining hands-on experience in a dynamic work environment. As an Apprentice, you will have the chance to learn and develop valuable skills in a supportive setting creating and refurbishing props.

Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of NT Staff, make, repair, and refurbish a wide range of furniture props, as well as experiencing a wider set of prop making skills. Working from designs, working drawings, and models, and with instructions from Designers, Production Managers, Workshop Supervisors and the Props Workshop Manager and senior props staff.
• Attend dress rehearsals of shows that you have worked on.
• Work to agreed deadlines, consulting at all times with the Props Workshop Manager.
• Work on stage when required, installing, and repairing props and set dressing.
• Participate in safety checks, and weekly planning meetings.
• Maintain high standards of operations and good housekeeping in the workshop.
• Participate in the provision of a safe working environment, acting within the company’s Health & Safety policy at all times.
• Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate, including visiting other workplaces on placement.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Props Workshop Manager

Person Specification:

• Can show that they enjoy making things.
• Can follow written spoken and visual instructions.
• Is curious about the world, and keen to learn new things.
• Is able to work well within a team and communicate clearly.
• Is able to work effectively under supervision and be self-motivated to work on your own initiative.
• Has a helpful, positive and flexible approach and attitude, whether the work is routine or exciting.
• Is punctual and good at managing their own workload.
• Is able to follow strict health & safety rules and theatre working practices and to understand why it is important to do so.
• Has an interest in carpentry and in problem solving

Qualifications:

Maths and English GCSE or equivalent at grade 3 or above. Please note This is a Level 2 apprenticeship, therefore applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT hold a degree, HND, or a post graduate qualification, or have experience of working backstage in professional theatre.

Purpose of the Apprenticeship:

The Props Workshop is part of the Production Workshops Department at the National Theatre and makes props for the NT’s shows and events. The apprenticeship is designed to produce practical skills to a high standard of expertise. The Apprentice Prop Maker will contribute towards the making of props for the National Theatre for shows in rehearsal and performance. They will primarily be working on furniture props, but a wider supporting skill set will be taught, such as decretive finishes, technical drawing, and general theatre working practice.

As this is a training position, we are not looking for experience in props or in theatre, but for someone who has practical skills, which can be applied to this apprenticeship. You will need to show us that you enjoy working with your hands, can work well in a team, and will be committed to completing this apprenticeship. An interest in carpentry and problem solving will be useful

The Prop Maker apprenticeship is designed to be the first step in working in theatre or going on to further study. Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post, 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.

What you will do during the apprenticeship:

The apprenticeship will be split between the National Theatre and Webs Training Ltd

At Webs Training Ltd: Webs Training Ltd are based at The Poplars, Wollaton Road, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2PD.

· You will study a Level 2 Standard in General Furniture Manufacture

· Time at college will be in 5 x 1-week blocks. The NT will cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs for the time you are at Webs Training.

· You will also be required to produce a portfolio as part of your course, which the NT will support you with.

· You will be supported in passing functional skills in English or Maths if required

Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship

Pay: £27,352.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Employee mentoring programme
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 03/06/2024
Expected start date: 12/08/2024