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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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