How to become a technical theatre apprentice: Hosanna's story

Meet Hosanna: she's 18 and grew up in London and Cambridge. Find out about her job as a technical theatre apprentice at the Royal Opera House in London. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

I’m always learning something new and doing something different.

What does a technical theatre apprentice do?

I'm currently working in the stage electrics (or stage lighting) team at the Royal Opera House.

I set up the different stage lights for every live performance. The lights are held in groups called rigs so I bring the rigs down and change the colours and make sure everything is where it should be.

Can you describe a typical day?

The structure of my apprenticeship means I work with different teams for weeks at a time so I'm getting a good understanding of the variety of jobs that happen behind the scenes.

What do you love most about your job?

Every day is different! Because I’m never just in one department, I’m always learning something new. It wouldn't be for everyone, but it really suits me.

What route did you take to get your apprenticeship?

I chose Performing Arts, Art and History for my options at GCSE. At college, I studied two BTEC Level 3 courses in Performing Arts and Production Arts.

I didn't know what job I wanted to do but I loved acting and being on stage. I also loved learning about production in my BTEC course and it made it difficult to decide what I wanted to do after college.

I actually applied to some drama schools but after I didn't get in, it made me think about what I really wanted to do and what I enjoyed. A few weeks later, I was at home going through my emails and saw the Royal Opera House apprenticeship schemes being advertised in a newsletter. I knew straight away I wanted to apply.

Top tips

• Juggling college work and apprenticeship applications can be tricky. I asked for support from a friend who had been through a similar situation and she mentored me through and gave me some great advice
• It's okay if you don't know what to do
• Moving from college into an apprenticeship is a big change but if you're sure it's right for you, stick with it – you'll learn so much.

Once Hosanna's apprenticeship scheme ends, she can apply to become a lighting technician. Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting for concerts, conferences and theatre, or in film and TV productions.

What to expect if you want to be a lighting technician

• Lighting technician average salary: £15,000 to £40,000
• Lighting technician typical working hours: 42 to 44 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a lighting technician?

You could get into this role via a university course, a college course (such as a Level 3 certificate or a T-level in Media, Broadcast and Production - England-only, from Sept 2023), an apprenticeship, volunteering, working towards the role or through one of the new entrant training schemes that broadcasters and film bodies offer, such as BBC trainee schemes.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, GOV.UK

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the GOV.UK website for more on T-levels.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).

Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.