Performing Arts Technician Apprentice

About the role

Start Date: September 2026
Salary: Apprentice wage (dependent on age and current apprenticeship rates)
Hours: 37 hours per week, term time only plus 1 INSET day
Contract: Fixed term until 31 July 2027
Reporting to: Head of Production Arts
Department: Production Arts

The Saint John Henry Newman School is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Performing Arts Technician Apprentice to join our Production Arts team. This exciting opportunity is ideal for someone passionate about theatre, live events and creative production who is looking to develop their technical skills and gain valuable industry experience.

Working alongside the Performing Arts and Production Arts teams, you will support the planning, preparation and delivery of sound, lighting and staging for a wide range of school activities, including assemblies, concerts, theatrical productions, Masses and special events.

As part of this apprenticeship, you will complete the UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries, developing your practical knowledge and understanding of technical theatre and production.

The successful candidate will:

• Support the operation of sound, lighting and staging equipment for school events, assemblies and productions.
• Provide technical support to staff, students, visitors and external speakers.
• Assist with the setup, construction and maintenance of staging and production equipment.
• Support Music and Drama departments with technical requirements.
• Encourage students to develop their interest and skills in sound, lighting and technical theatre.
• Provide technical support for events including Masses, Presentation Evening, concerts and theatrical performances.
• Ensure the Main School Hall and production areas are maintained, organised and safe.
• Work in accordance with Health & Safety regulations, COSHH requirements and school procedures.
• Undertake First Aid training and provide support for after-school events when required.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity to develop your technical theatre skills through practical experience and formal training. You will complete the UAL Level 4 Professional Diploma in Technical and Production Practice for the Creative Industries, gaining valuable knowledge and experience to support a future career within the creative industries.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for performing arts and technical production.
• Holds, or is working towards, a Level 3 Production Arts qualification (BTEC/UAL) or equivalent technical theatre experience.
• Has practical knowledge of sound, lighting, staging or stage management.
• Has GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
• Has excellent communication skills and can work effectively with staff and students.
• Is self-motivated, organised and able to work independently.
• Works well as part of a team and contributes positively to the school community.
• Is committed to safeguarding, inclusion and supporting the wellbeing of all students.
• Is willing to undertake First Aid and Health & Safety training.

Previous experience of working on productions, whether professionally, voluntarily or through education, would be desirable.

The Saint John Henry Newman School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and all relevant pre-employment safeguarding checks.

The successful candidate will be expected to support and uphold the Catholic ethos of the school and contribute positively to the wider life of the school community.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring production arts professional to develop their skills in a supportive educational environment, work on a wide range of exciting events and gain recognised industry training while inspiring the next generation of performers and creatives.