Bring your creative flair and interest in period costume and theatre and receive on-the-job training in a paid role.

The Royal Shakespeare Company's costume department is offering two brand-new apprenticeships for UK residents aged 18 or over.

The role of Apprentice Costume Maker is aimed at 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. The two-year programme will work towards the successful completion of a Level 3 Garment Maker apprenticeship.

The Apprentice Costume Accessories Maker role will be based in both the Millinery & Jewellery and Costume Props & Footwear teams. You will learn how to construct and adapt costume accessories including hats, armour, shoe decoration and jewellery. This will also lead to a Level 3 Garment Maker apprenticeship standard.

An RSC Apprenticeship provides an alternative and supportive way of accessing a career in theatre. A strong academic background is not essential, more important is a passion for costume and its components. We are looking for creative flair and a love of making things alongside a willingness to learn and contribute. If you have an interest in textiles, sewing or cosplay then a career in costume could be for you.

A display of jewellery, with hats and masks on shelves in the background.
The new costume workshop was unveiled in 2021
Photo by Sam Allard, Fisher Studios © RSC Browse and license our images

Read what other apprentices think of their RSC apprenticeships:

Emily, Learning and National Partnerships Apprentice

"I’ve found it an excellent way of developing my career because I’ve been able to be part of the company straight away and learn on the job rather than going back and doing another qualification or training which I wouldn’t get paid for and I’d have to take time out of my career."

Lisa, Operations Apprentice

“It’s really exciting, I’m really enjoying myself, it’s great. Learning lots, meeting lots of new people and really learning how departments work together and how things get done in a big organisation.”

Jack, Scenic Engineer, Former RSC Apprentice

“I’m a big advocate for apprenticeships. I really think you get the best of everything: you get the education, you get the paperwork behind you, you get the technical skills, the practical skills and just some general experience which I think is worth its weight in gold in the future.”

Published 6 April 2023
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