Prop maker apprenticeships

Creative and media

Prop maker apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

a university course

a college course

an apprenticeship

working towards this role

applying directly

University

You could take a foundation degree or degree in:

prop making
scenic arts
production arts
art and design

You'll usually need:

a foundation diploma in art and design
at least 1 A-Level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You can do a college course to get some of the skills needed in this job. Course examples include:

Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
Level 2 Certificate in Carpentry
Level 3 Certificate in Creative Craft
Level 3 Diploma in 3D Design and Crafts

You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.

Apprenticeship

You could do a props technician Level 3 apprenticeship. The apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months to complete. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

Work

You could start by working in a theatre as a props assistant or technician. In film and TV you would start as an art department trainee. Practical experience is usually essential to get an assistant job.

Volunteering

Volunteering for student productions, festivals and amateur theatre is a good way to get experience and make contact with people working in the industry, which could help when looking for jobs.

Direct Application

You may also be able to get into prop making after training in related areas like graphic design, furniture making or model-making. Your creative talent and model-making skills will often be more important than formal qualifications.

Prop maker apprenticeships - what it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of building and construction
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of maths
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
the ability to work on your own
sensitivity and understanding
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Prop maker apprenticeships - what you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

discussing what props are needed
interpreting plans, from rough sketches to detailed designs
carrying out historical research to make authentic-looking items
experimenting with different materials to create effects like ageing using power tools
hiring, buying or repairing props

Working environment

You could work in a workshop, at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a theatre. Your working environment may be cramped and dusty.

Career path and progression - Prop maker apprenticeships

With experience, you could move into set design, production design or stage management.

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Considering an Apprenticeship?

There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

Paid Training
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
Range of career opportunities
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
Earn & learn
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
Great career prospects
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
Learn on the job
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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