UK - Glyndebourne is set to launch a new apprenticeship programme designed ‘to nurture the next generation of technical and production talent within the performing arts’. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive and accessible pathway into the industry, offering individuals the opportunity to earn while they learn at one of the world’s most respected opera houses, which employs over 150 staff out of season and more than 500 during its annual Festival.
The apprenticeships present an alternative route to the traditional university education, providing paid, hands-on experience in a real working environment where the apprentices will develop skills directly from industry professionals while building valuable connections to support their future careers.
This new programme presents an opportunity for Glyndebourne to grow and develop its own skilled workforce, whilst apprentices will benefit from the organisation’s extensive expertise, knowledge and facilities. The initiative is being introduced under the leadership of Glyndebourne’s recently appointed technical and production director, Sam Garner-Gibbons who brings over a decade of experience in developing and supporting apprenticeships within the arts sector, having previously worked at the Chichester Festival Theatre.
Sam Garner-Gibbons comments: "Our aim is to open the doors to a broader range of talented individuals who might not otherwise have a pathway into our industry. Apprenticeships allow people to learn directly from experienced professionals while contributing to real productions, which is an incredibly powerful way to build both skill and confidence. Glyndebourne has always been a place of innovation and excellence, and this programme will ensure we continue to nurture and invest in the next generation of theatre makers both for us and for the wider sector."
Apprentices will be employed on fixed-term contracts aligned with the length of their chosen course. Working alongside Glyndebourne’s experienced creative teams, they will learn on the job while also receiving structured training from an accredited provider. One day per week will be dedicated to theoretical learning, or coursework typically delivered online, with the remainder of the time spent gaining practical experience within Glyndebourne’s production environment. Each apprenticeship will culminate in a final assessment, carried out by an external assessor at Glyndebourne, ensuring every graduate meets professional industry standards.
Four apprenticeship opportunities have been identified to align with Glyndebourne’s strategic aims and recruitment needs, these include: technical theatre, assistant production manager and audio-visual technician. Applications open in 2026.
The training will be delivered in partnership with Chichester College Group, a leader in apprenticeship provision across the UK. The group supports apprentices in many of the country’s leading theatres, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre, and Delfont Mackintosh Theatres in London’s West End. The Wigs, Hair and Make-Up apprentices will attend college-based sessions at Northbrook College, part of the Chichester College Group and located locally in West Sussex.