Scenic artist
Level 3 · AdvancedCreative and design 1.8 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Scenic Artist creates painted finishes and decorative effects on scenery, backcloths, and set pieces for theatre, film, television, and events. Apprentices develop specialist painting techniques to reproduce textures, trompe l'oeil effects, and surface treatments at scale. This level 3 qualification leads to senior scenic artist, head painter, or art department roles in the creative industries.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Scenic painting techniques including texture, ageing, and trompe l'oeil
Colour mixing, paint types, and their properties for scenic use
Working from scale drawings, colour references, and designer briefs
Safe use of paints, solvents, and equipment under COSHH regulations
Working at height on large backcloths and raised scenic structures
Understanding production timescales and working to tight deadlines
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Paint scenic backcloths, flats, and set pieces to a designer's brief
Mix and match paints to achieve accurate colours and textures
Create surface effects such as wood grain, stone, brick, and metalwork
Work from scale drawings to enlarge designs using grid or projection methods
Prepare and prime surfaces before painting
Collaborate with scenic constructors, props, and the designer
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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