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) 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.

1. You must be 18 years old or over on the start date
2. Not have completed a university degree or equivalent level qualification in the UK or elsewhere
3. 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!

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 Opera House 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.