Royal Ballet and Opera
Costume Making Apprenticeship
This year we will be offering a Costume Making apprenticeship. The role is on a fixed-term contract for 2 years, full-time (42.5 hours per week). The apprenticeship will be split between the costume workrooms at the ROH and South Essex College in Thurrock.
Job Description
Apprenticeship Scheme, Fixed term contract (2 years)
Starting September 2025
Salary: £25,282.40 for 42.5 hours per week
Based in: Covent Garden, London
Do you have an interest in textiles or fashion? Do you enjoy sewing? Then a career in costume making could be for you...
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings.
We are one of the busiest theatres in the world, delivering more than 400 performances each year and our backstage teams are some of the best theatre craftspeople in the world.
We want to encourage fresh, passionate new talent into the building and our apprenticeship scheme plays a big part in that!
An apprenticeship gives you the practical skills and knowledge that will underpin your professional development and access to a network of people who can guide and support you during your career.
What our apprentices say:
"It has taught me invaluable on-the-job experience that textbook learning cannot provide."
"It is a great pathway into a career and a unique alternative to university."
This year we will be offering a Costume Making apprenticeship. The role is on a fixed-term contract for 2 years, full-time (42.5 hours per week) and based at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
The apprenticeship will be split between the costume workrooms at the ROH and South Essex College in Thurrock where you will work towards a Level 3 Garment Maker Apprenticeship Standard.
Will I be paid?
Yes! You will earn National Living Wage which will increase by 2.5% after successfully completing the first year. Apprentices are expected to use this to pay for their own travel to work and college. College fees will also be paid by the Royal Opera House.
Job Requirements
Am I eligible?
You must be 18 years old or over on the start date
Not have completed a university degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or elsewhere
Have work authorisation for the UK
Do I need previous experience?
We are interested in recruiting apprentices that are first and foremost curious, driven by working in a creative environment and keen to learn new skills!
Useful Links
How to Apply
To apply, please scroll to the bottom of the page and click on `Apply Now`. A full Job Pack is available below to download, as well as some handy guidance for submitting your application.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential minimum criteria for our vacancies.
If you have any questions, please contact the HR Department via hr.recruitment@roh.org.uk. You can also contact us if you have any access needs for making an application.
For further information, you can also take a look at the Apprenticeship page on our website here: www.roh.org.uk/apprenticeships
Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 27th January 2025
The intervi
Contact name: Recruitment Team
Contact email: hr.recruitment@roh.org.uk
About Royal Ballet and Opera
Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
The Royal Opera House describes the place we work, not who we are. The whole is always more than the sum of its parts – we may be a House, but three quarters of our audiences experience what we do outside this building.