Scenic Construction Apprentice CTS (WNO)

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

CTS are currently looking for 2 new apprentices to work in this role.

 

Company: Cardiff Theatrical Services Ltd (WNO)

Apprenticeship Role: Apprentice (Scenic Construction)

Responsible to: Head of Construction

Location: Cardiff

Salary: £21,840 per annum

Closing date: 24 October 2024 at 12pm

 

What do Scenic Construction Apprentices do?

A Scenic Construction Apprentice will spend considerable time in both the Carpentry and Fabrication/Metal work Departments undertaking tasks such as:

● Cutting timber and metal materials accurately to size
● Learning how to build (and then making) timber framed scenic flats prior to scenic artists finishing them.
● Learning basic welding techniques
● Working closely with other team members to assemble elements of the set and fit them together for finishing, weighing and assembly prior to loading out.

The ability to read scaled drawings and plans and to work systematically through a task is vital. This role could lead to further engagement as an Assistant in either one of the Construction Departments and a continued career development onto becoming a fully skilled scenery builder. If you have good basic practical skills in woodwork or metalwork and are keen to work on large scale projects this could be a great alternative to Higher Education where you can earn while you learn!

To become a Scenic Construction Apprentice, you will ideally have 5 GCSE’s including Maths and Woodwork, Metalwork or DT. You will need to be able to find practical solutions to problems and thrive working in a busy and active workshop environment. You’ll also need excellent communication skills and to be a team player as well as comfortable working on your own initiative.

Examples of the jobs a Scenic Construction Apprentice could do in future –

● Assistant Carpenter
● Assistant Fabricator
● Fabricator/Welder (working up through a grading system)
● Carpenter (working up through a grading system)
● Standby Carpenter (In Film or TV)
● Assistant Carpenter on Tour with a theatre or opera company
● Stage Technician

What kind of person do I need to be?
● A practical “hands on” mindset
● Creative and imaginative
● Enthusiastic
● Good communicator
● Practical
● Self-directed
● Confident
● Good time management

Main duties
● Preparing and making scenic items with the team of Carpenters and Fabricators at CTS.
● Working closely with the workshop team on samples and actual finished items of scenery including timber flats, staging units and other 3D scenic items

Essential Skills
● Basic Practical ability in either woodwork or metal work (or both)
● Keen and motivated to work hard
● Creativity and imagination
● The ability to manage your time, meet deadlines and work within a team in a busy workshop environment

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
Cardiff Theatrical Services LTD are the Scenery making company owned by Welsh National Opera with an extensive range of high-profile clients ranging from WMC to the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne; with numerous recent West End credits such Guys and Dolls, Burlesque and Hadestown and with a busy order book for 2024/25.

We provide top quality scenic services to clients in the UK and worldwide and have a skilled team of Carpenter’s, Metalworkers, Scenic Artists, Draughtsman and Project Managers. Many of our key workers have been here for a long time and we are keen to start developing and bringing on the next generation of theatre makers!

Closing Date

Midday on Thursday, 24th October 2024.

Start Date

Monday, 11th November 2024.

How To Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

If you have questions about the apprenticeship programme, please read the FAQs below.

 

FAQ’S

WHAT WILL APPRENTICES LEARN?

Apprentices will learn the skills needed to build a a career in the media gaining practical ‘hands-on’ training, making industry contacts and gaining technical and professional skills media career.  They will also work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Media Creation, Production & Craft Support, Essential Skills and Employer Rights and Responsibilities. Further information about the framework can be found here.

WHERE WILL THE TRAINING TAKE PLACE?

Training will be split between off the job (virtual learning/face to face block learning at Sgil Cymru, Great Point Seren Studios, Rumney, Cardiff) and on the job training placement with the placement company.

WHO CANNOT APPLY TO THIS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME?

This Apprenticeship Scheme is at a Level 3 and is therefore equivalent to A Levels.  Please note: our apprenticeship schemes are not aimed at graduates.  However, you may be eligible to apply if your degree is not in the same occupational area as this apprenticeship programme.  This Apprenticeship is what is called a Level 3 qualification equivalent to A Levels.

Please note: our apprenticeship schemes are not aimed at graduates.

CAN I DO THE APPRENTICESHIP IF I AM IN FULL TIME EDUCATION?

No, you will not be allowed to apply for the apprenticeship scheme if you are in full time education as of the 11th November, 2024.  Apprentices will be on a full-time contract for the duration of the apprenticeship programme, so you must be available to work and study for the whole period.

DO APPRENTICES HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING TO STUDY OR DO THEY GET PAID?

No, they don’t have to pay towards their training and yes, they get paid an annual wage by their employer.

WHERE WILL APPRENTICES BE WORKING?

Apprentices will be based in Wales with their employer, however, some may require apprentices to travel on occasion to sets and filming locations based elsewhere.

HOW WILL THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME BE STRUCTURED?

This is a 12 Month full-time programme and is structured as follows:

  • The programme will commence with a virtual blocking learning/face to face block learning Induction to the creative industries. This will give all apprentices the opportunity to meet the Sgil Cymru staff, meet fellow apprentices who will also be on the programme and meet industry professionals. Apprentices will work towards their qualification during this time and also gain the skills and knowledge before going out on placement.
  • Following the induction, all apprentices will go to their placement companies where they will work ‘on the job’ gaining the skills and knowledge required to work in the creative industries.  Further virtual classroom-based training/face to face block learning will be provided during the 12 months of the programme.
  • Towards the end of the programme, the apprentices will complete an Exit Programme.  This will prepare the apprentices to become freelancers in the media industries.
  • IMPORTANT – Following the 12 months of learning and training it is hoped that many of the apprentices will gain work with their placement companies.  However, this is NOT guaranteed as the industry is ever changing and  production companies depend on commissions in order to gain future work.  The likelihood is that following the 12-month programme individuals will become freelance rather than permanently employed.

IMPORTANT – Working Times Whilst on the Job

The nature of production means that flexibility is often needed and apprentices will be expected to work for long hours over concentrated periods of time.

You need to be aware that you may be required to work up to 12 hour days including weekends. This will be balanced by shorter days and/or compensatory leave.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF APPRENTICES ONCE ACCEPTED ONTO AN APPRENTICESHIP?

You will be expected to:

  • work as a junior member of crew and complete tasks set by your supervisor
  • attend 8 weekly monitoring meetings with a member of the the Sgil Cymru team
  • meet your industry assessor on a regular basis to build competence unit portfolios
  • attend every virtual/face to face classroom-based session
  • attend placement monitoring meetings with a representative from your training placement
  • complete all elements of the Framework resulting in the completion of the qualification.

HOW WILL APPRENTICES BE SUPPORTED ON THEIR APPRENTICESHIP?

  • A Sgil Cymru staff member will work with each apprentice to create an individual training plan that will reflect the individual’s training needs and the progress will be monitored
  • An assessor will help/guide and support the apprentice with gaining the qualification
  • A Sgil Cymru staff member will meet each apprentice to discuss progress, and a placement company staff member will be appointed as the industry mentor to offer support and advice when needed
  • The placement company supervisor will give feedback to Sgil Cymru on the apprentice’s progress and this will be used to monitor training needs

HOW WILL APPRENTICES BENEFIT FROM THEIR APPRENTICESHIP?

At the end of the 12 months apprentices will have:

  • Workplace experience – practical ‘hands-on’ training
  • Portfolio Work
  • Industry contacts
  • Improvement of job prospects
  • Technical and professional skills
  • Level 3 Diploma in Media Creation, Production and Craft Support.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

  • Following the shortlisting of applications, the successful applicants will be invited to a Workshop/Interview with the Sgil Cymru team and the employer. Here you will be able to meet the Sgil Cymru team.
  • Following this day, the employers may invite you for a further individual interview.

We will inform you if you need to prepare any material for the interview.  However, you will be required to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and potential to take part in this programme.

If you are successful following the interview, you will be required to sit initial assessments in numeracy, literacy and digital literacy.  Sgil Cymru will then notify you by e-mail that you have secured a place.

If you require further information, please contact the Cardiff office on 07843 779 870 / help@sgilcymru.com