Costume technician - stage and screen
Level 3 · AdvancedCreative and design 1.3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Costume Technician - Stage and Screen apprenticeship trains you to make, alter, maintain, and manage costumes for theatre, film, television, and live events. You will develop professional garment-construction skills, work with period and contemporary designs, and learn to manage a costume store and support performers during productions. This Level 3 qualification leads to careers in wardrobe departments, costume houses, or repertory theatres.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Pattern cutting and garment construction techniques for stage and screen
How to adapt, alter, and repair costumes to fit individual performers
Period costume history and how to research and replicate historical dress
Care, storage, and maintenance of costume stock across a production
Costume breakdown and ageing techniques to achieve director's vision
Safe use of industrial sewing equipment, irons, and specialist tools
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Cut, construct, and finish costumes to designs provided by the costume designer
Fit and alter garments on performers during rehearsals and fittings
Maintain and repair costumes throughout the run of a production
Manage and organise the costume store and track items using stock systems
Assist performers with quick changes during live performances or filming
Prepare and pack costumes for touring productions or location shoots
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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