CTS are looking to recruit 2 Scenic CONSTRUCTION apprentices
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.
