Modern Apprenticeship success in Technical Theatre and Production Arts
Edinburgh College is delighted to announce the first apprentice instructed through a Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Diploma in Technical Theatre Operations has completed their training with great success.
Liz Dokukina began her apprenticeship at the Festival Theatre in partnership with the College in October 2023, focusing on stage flying – a highly specialised and unique role in the theatre industry which requires specific hands-on training to gain the right skills.
Since completing the apprenticeship, Liz has secured a position in the Stage Team at Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum Theatre.
I would really encourage people to apply, especially if you’re interested in trying something entirely new. It’s great that you don’t need any technical qualifications and that you can learn hands-on. It’s not all about experience – I think my passion and love for theatre massively helped me in getting the apprenticeship. Don’t worry if you feel you don’t know enough, as that’s what apprenticeships are about: taking someone with a passion for something and turning them into someone who is knowledgeable in that area. So, if it’s something you want to pursue, go for it!Liz Dokukina
How did it all begin?
Edinburgh College and Capital Theatres have worked in partnership for many years, and noted that because of COVID, the live theatre industry was suffering with a loss of professionals with a notable gap in stage flying. A new joint initiative between Edinburgh College and Capital Theatres to create a Modern Technical Apprenticeship, providing bespoke training in flying scenery at the Festival Theatre, was offered for the first time in 2023, thanks to funding from Foundation Scotland, supported by Skills Development Scotland.
I’m delighted that we have had our first successful apprentice complete their course. This has been a huge undertaking for everyone involved in the performing arts and the modern apprenticeship teams. We have already welcomed our next apprentice at the Festival Theatre, and it is exciting to see the number of apprenticeships grow each year we run this course. This progress is incredibly encouraging for both the college and the theatre industry. I’m enthusiastic about how the course will continue to develop in future.Chris Aberdeen, lecturer
In January 2025, Paige Riddell from Live Borders also completed an apprenticeship with Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts department. This is hugely encouraging for the growth of modern apprenticeships in technical theatre and production arts.
It’s been a pleasure to see Paige’s progress throughout her apprenticeship programme. This program gives people an opportunity to gain a huge amount of hands on experience in a live working venue, and Paige has taken full advantage of this.Apprenticeship Assessor, Tom Wilson
Since I work with Live Borders and studied through Edinburgh College my apprenticeship has been very balanced in theory and practice. The access to knowledge, hands on experience, and being able to meet so many touring technicians and creative professionals has given me a broad view of the industry and understanding into how everything comes together. The support from the EC team and Live Borders staff is amazing, and despite the current need for more sound and lighting technicians in the industry it is inspiring to see how passionate everyone is that works in the industry today. If you are considering it, I would highly recommend going into an apprenticeship within the arts.Paige Riddell, Live Borders
Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts team are committed to training the next generation of backstage production staff and these new apprenticeship programmes are ensuring access to professional training for a wider range of young people.