Behind the Curtain: Apprentice Training for Costume Technicians

Pantomime season is here again, coming to a theatre near you any time soon.  

Whether you’ve booked to see a big glitzy show starring soap celebrities or a more modest local production, there will be lots going on behind the scenes.  

For people with a creative talent who would rather be backstage than in the spotlight, there are a number of potential career opportunities in theatre and entertainment – including costume technician apprentice.   

Costume technician – stage and screen level 3 apprenticeship  

Although we tend to associate this occupation with the theatre, costume technicians can be found in television, film, dance, events and fashion. It’s a role required by any sector where a costume might be worn such as at a pop concert, recital, sports ceremony or large-scale cultural event.  

Duties can vary depending on the sector, but in a nutshell, this occupation’s main purpose relates to the care, maintenance and dressing of cast or performers in costumes in a production environment. Typical job titles include wardrobe technician, costume assistant, dresser and performance support technician.  

This level 3 programme attracts funding to a maximum £9,000 and takes 15 months to gateway with the EPA period usually about three months. National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), Birmingham Repertory Company, the Young Vic and ITV are among the well-known employers who helped create the standard.  

Key skills and behaviours  

Whatever the setting, this occupation demands great teamwork and the flexibility to respond to production or performance needs. It can also involve travel and some out of hours working.  

Depending on the production or event, costume technicians get to work with a whole host of people. These can include dancers, singers, musicians, models and actors as well as behind-the-scenes staff such as stylists, costume makers and stage managers. 

Among the skills the apprentice will need include an ability to:  

• Safely pack and unpack costumes and wardrobe equipment for storage and future use. For example, returning hires ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions. 
• Organise the keeping of the costumes and equipment in a tidy and secure manner and contribute to good housekeeping. 
•  Safely operate equipment such as sewing machines, washing machines or steam irons. 
•  Create and maintain documentation relating to costumes for the purposes of a production. For example, dressing plots, costume descriptions and packing lists, using organisational recording systems, such as IT or paper-based records.  
• Dress and undress performers before, during and after an event, production or scene adhering to health and safety requirements and professional etiquette.  
• Undertake minor alterations and repairs to costumes, shoes and accessories. For example, hand or machine sewing, before, during or after performances.  
• Follow sustainable practices in line with industry standard recommendations. For example, recycling, reusing and repurposing. 

As this list shows, costume technicians need to be well organised with an eye for detail and an ability to work well under pressure.  

Further details on this standard and the training providers offering it can be found here.  

Onefile’s starring role 

Ready to put costume technician apprentices centre stage? 

If you deliver the Level 3 Costume Technician apprenticeship, Onefile can help you give learners the flexibility they need to succeed in this demanding industry. Our platform makes it easy to manage progress, track evidence and support apprentices wherever their production schedule takes them. 

Partner with us to keep learning in the spotlight – even when the curtain goes up. 

Talk to us today and discover how Onefile can support your programme.