Apprentice Scenic Automation Technician

You will work in all areas where the Technical Department work, supervised and supported by members of the Technical Department You will be working with Stages, Stage Engineering & Automation You will collect evidence of the work you do and make a portfolio showing how you have used your skills in the workplace Under the direction of NT Staff, clean, maintain and use a range of Mechanical lifting and rigging equipment Experience the setup, testing, commissioning and fault finding of Automation equipment and systems Work backstage on shows and events when required, installing and operating technical equipment. This will sometimes involve evening and weekend work Work to agreed deadlines Learn how to work at height or in small spaces safely (Sometimes in low-light levels) Participate in safety checks, and weekly planning meetings Maintain high standards of operations and good housekeeping at all times Always work safely, following the NT’s Health and Safety policy Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate, including visiting other workplaces on placement Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the National Theatre’s representatives

At all times you will be expected to: 

Take responsibility for being on time and always working safely and considerately Take responsibility for completing your college work and making sure your manager knows when a college assessor is visiting. Behave professionally, including keeping workspaces neat and tidy To work at height and sometimes in small spaces, training will be given to you before you do this You will sometimes be asked to work evenings and weekends, and will be given time off in the week to make up for it (this is called Time Off in Lieu - TOIL)

By the end of the apprenticeship you will have a working knowledge of: 

How to safely use theatrical flying, lifting and rigging systems, which suspend scenery (and sometimes actors) off the floor The operation and programming of automated equipment Safety systems and equipment needed to operate automated stage machinery Electrical, mechanical and hydraulic engineering that forms the NTs automation infrastructure Read, understand and use a range of theatre related plans Write and follow a basic Risk Assessment Identify a range of theatre technical equipment and understand its uses Operate under supervision a range of technical theatre equipment Understand theatre jargon and processes Create, follow and update paperwork used on shows

Training:
Scenic Automation Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Training Outcome:
This apprenticeship is designed to be the next step in developing a career as an automation technician Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post at the NT, 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

Employer Description:
Based on the South Bank in Waterloo, London, the National Theatre (NT), has three theatres, a bookshop, cafes and bars which are all open to the public. Behind the scenes, there are workshops where we make sets, props and costumes for the shows, spaces for actors to rehearse and offices for all the administration staff. The National Theatre Apprenticeship Programme has recently been awarded the Princess Royal Training Award for outstanding training and skills development. The National Theatre (NT) makes theatre that entertains and inspires using its creativity, expertise and unique reach. We share unforgettable stories with millions of audience members across the UK and around the world – on our own stages, on tour, in schools, on cinema screens and streaming at home.

Working Hours :
You will be asked to work evenings or weekend, in which case you will be given Time Off in Lieu. Shifts to be confirmed

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Analytical skills,Logical,Team working,Creative