Technical Apprentice - Opera House and Palace Theatres, Manchester

Summary

ATG Entertainment’s Technical Apprenticeships offer an excellent starting point for anyone looking to build a technical career.

You will work alongside our in‑house technical teams and visiting companies to support a busy and varied performance programme. 

Wage

£19,827.60 a year

Training course

Creative industries production technician (level 3)

Hours

Different days and unsociable hours due to working on live theatre shows.

30 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 10 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Key responsibilities:

• Work under the guidance of the Technical Manager and wider technical team across all theatre disciplines, including staging, lighting, audio, and flying.
• Support the Technical Manager and team with building and equipment maintenance tasks.
• Complete all assigned training provided by ATG and Creative Alliance.
• Undertake the Creative Venue Technician Level 3
• Apprenticeship as directed by Creative Alliance.
• Attend seminars, trade shows, and industry events to broaden technical knowledge and professional development. 

Where you'll work

Opera House
Quay Street
Manchester
M3 3HP

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

THE WEST MIDLANDS CREATIVE ALLIANCE LIMITED

Training course

Creative industries production technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
• Prepare system specifications and drawings.
• Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
• Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
• Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
• Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
• Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
• Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
• Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
• Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
• Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
• Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
• Prepare written information and reports.
• Comply with creative venue budgetary and financial management protocols.
• Undertake set and change scenes in live performance – setting and striking scenic elements under show conditions.
• Operate suspension systems.
• Undertake stage crafts such as basic scenic construction, carpentry, metalwork, stage machinery, props, scene changes, knots and terminations.
• Trouble shoot, fault find and carry out basic repairs to creative venue and production systems.
• As directed, inspect, test and maintain creative venue systems and production systems.
• Program and operate production control consoles. Undertake cueing and operation during the live performance or event.
• Trouble shoot, fault find and repair at sub assembly and component level.
• Calibrate equipment and systems to meet production requirements.
• Identify, specify and use components, systems and products applicable for the environment.
• Identify and undertake servicing requirements in line with manufacturer recommendations.
• Achieve effective network connectivity across live event systems.
• Identify required packing space for equipment and for truck packs.
• Prepare and operate lifting and ground rigging equipment.
• Program and operate lighting control systems.
• Assess and monitor power supply systems, installing wiring for practicals and equipment as required.
• Prepare, set and operate lighting equipment to create the desired effect.
• Manipulate and modify lighting, using diffusion materials, filters or reflectors to create the desired effect.
• Adapt lighting to meet short notice creative changes in the production design or script.
• Prepare and operate extra low voltage lighting equipment and systems.
• Identify the dangers and restrictions in the use of battery supplies including charging and mitigate for these.
• Interpret system specifications and drawings such as sound, lighting or video.
• Prepare system specifications and drawings.
• Use specialist software systems such as computer aided design and asset management to extract information and input basic information.
• Assemble systems to support production, live performance or events from component parts using correct tools.
• Troubleshoot and fault find issues in discrete pieces of equipment.
• Deploy, operate and maintain technical equipment and tools.
• Prepare, test, repair and maintain lighting, sound or video equipment and systems.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and adapt communication appropriately to suit the audience.
• Use digital collaboration tools to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Direct team members taking into consideration their level of experience.
• Interpret and apply method statements in response to dynamic risk assessment to help ensure safe planning and delivery of work processes.
• Use safety and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer instructions or to an alternative safe scheme of use.
• Assemble and configure structures and systems from component parts to production specification.
• Disassemble structures and systems, storing component parts and equipment safely.
• Prepare written information and reports.

Training schedule

Production Technician – Creative Venue Pathways Level 3 Standard.

Apprentices learn the skills they need on the job with the guidance of a development coach who is an expert from industry. You’ll finish your apprenticeship with a recognised qualification, valuable industry experience, money, and substantial opportunities for promotion.

Summative Portfolio:

You will be expected to deliver projects throughout the apprenticeship. Each project would involve research, knowledge and may be submitted in writing, a presentation or professional discussion.

Seminars and Qualifications:

All CVT apprentices are enrolled onto a vendor qualification called the ABTT Bronze award. This will come with training sessions – covering the following:

Training Session 1 – Manual Handling & Health and Safety at Work Act Develop an understanding of manual handling, injuries and the UK theatre code of conduct.

Training Session 2 – Electrical Fundamentals To develop an understanding of basic electricity.

Training Session 3 – Knots & Splicing Develop a basic understanding into knots commonly used in theatre.

Training Session 4 – Fundamentals of Flying An introduction to manual flying systems within the theatre.

Training Session 5 – Safe Use of Temporary Access Equipment Understanding safe handling of Access Equipment and covering relevant terminology

Training Session 6 – Revision session on ABTT Exam ABTT mock questions and covering what has previously been learnt in preparation for the exam

For a full overview of the CVT standard please click on the following link:

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade C/4)
• Maths (grade C/4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

You must also be able to travel to the workplace on a daily basis. Please note we can only accept applications from those aged 17 years and over due to the nature of the role and the working hours.