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Do you love clothes but have no interest in becoming a designer? Have you been making your own cosplay costumes? Do you have a creative flair and a love of making things? Are you looking for a job that allows you learn new skills and gain a qualification?

We are delighted to offer the opportunity for an Apprentice Costume Maker to join the team in our purpose built, state of the art Costume Workshops, based in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with an interest in period costume and theatre, who is looking for hands-on costume experience in one of the most well-known theatre companies in the world.

An RSC Apprenticeship provides an alternative and supportive way of accessing a career in theatre. You will learn to construct and adapt a variety of costumes using multiple sewing techniques including men's and women's period and contemporary costumes, underpinnings and shirts, allowing you to develop your practical ability and recognise your potential. As part of this 2-year apprentice programme you will work towards the successful completion of a Level 3 Garment Maker apprenticeship.

You can see some of our colleagues working in the Costume Workshop setting by watching this video.

Criteria for this role includes:

• You must be 18 years old or over on 31st March 2023, please note there is no upper age limit.
• You must be able to meet specific entry requirements of the apprenticeship and we will prioritise applicants eligible to government funding for their apprenticeship and for this the following will be required:
• You must have lived in the UK or in the European Economic Area (EEA) for the last 3 years.
• Be a resident of the UK for the entire duration of the program.
• If you already have a degree, or are studying towards a degree, in the same field or a related one, you will not be eligible to this apprenticeship.
• Not be registered to study on a UK government funded course ending August 2023
• GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths or the willingness to complete English and Maths Level 2
• You will be required to undertake studying and assessments required to complete the apprenticeship. This will involve an end point assessment.
• You must have the commitment to work flexibly as part of the team.

What's in it for me?

• 20% dedicated training time, which is a combination of in-house training and training from an external supplier
• A dedicated apprenticeship mentor who will tailor your learning experience
• The opportunity to shadow other departments to expand your overall knowledge of theatre craft

Working hours will be a yearly average of 40 hours per week (scheduled in advance), 5 days out of 7, with some weekend work as necessary.

The salary for this position will be £22,672 per annum, and all relevant training and training materials will be fully funded by the RSC.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 1 May 2023. Interviews will be held throughout May at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. Please visit Apprenticeships | Royal Shakespeare Company (rsc.org.uk) for further information on apprenticeships. If you have any questions, please email
[email protected]

The Costume Workshop apprentices are generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals who are qualified for the scheme.

The RSC strives for excellence, and values integrity, inclusion, ambition and innovation. We act with respect, show leadership and build resilient ways of working in all our activities.

We can offer great benefits and aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.