Scottish Apprenticeship Week - Eleanor living out childhood dream while completing apprenticeship with Scottish Ballet
As long as eighteen-year-old Eleanor Bews can remember, she has always wanted to work in the theatre industry, and she is now living out that dream and more as she completes a Modern Apprenticeship with Scottish Ballet as well as gaining a qualification in technical theatre.
The former Harlaw Academy pupil from Aberdeen was preparing to apply to university when her mum came across an advert for an apprenticeship in Technical Theatre with Scottish Ballet and encouraged her to apply. She said:
“I’ve always had a dream of working in the theatre industry and thought it might not happen until I had completed university. My mum came across an advert for an apprenticeship in technical theatre with Scottish Ballet and encouraged me to apply. After a lengthy application process, which involved a trip to Glasgow for an interview, I was told that I had been successful! I couldn’t believe it and I was so excited to get started!”
In June 2025, Eleanor made the big move to Glasgow from her home in Aberdeen to begin her two-year Modern Apprenticeship (MA) Diploma in Technical Theatre and Production Operations. She explains:
“It was a quick turnaround after hearing that I had successfully got the job. I had a leaving party on the Saturday with all my friends and family, moved down to Glasgow on the Sunday, and then started work on the Monday. It’s been crazy, but I’ve loved every minute of it.”
As part of her apprenticeship, Eleanor spends time working with her employer while also undertaking her studies with support from College lecturers. She has really enjoyed the practical elements of her apprenticeship, where she’s had the opportunity to put her theoretical knowledge to the test. She said:
“I’m a very visual learner and I think I learn so much more when I have that hands-on practical experience compared to sitting in a classroom. Since starting my apprenticeship, I have worked on a number of productions, including Mary Queen of Scots, The Snow Queen and The Wee Nutcracker. My role is to help with preparation for the shows, building the sets, and supporting with the lighting equipment. I love getting the opportunity to work on so many amazing live productions.”
Eleanor has grown in confidence since she started and has gradually been given more responsibility by the team at Scottish Ballet, which culminated in her operating the lighting desk by herself during a live production of The Wee Nutcracker in December. She explains:
“During the showing of The Wee Nutcracker I was given the responsibility of operating the lighting desk by myself for the first time. It was very daunting at first but I did well and really enjoyed the pressure of working on a live production. It was amazing to see it all come together so perfectly and to know I had played my part.”
Eleanor had some parting words of advice for anyone thinking about undertaking an apprenticeship. She said:
“Just do it! Have confidence in yourself and don’t worry about making mistakes, the lecturers and your employer don’t want you to fail and will support you throughout. They have confidence in you and will help you to succeed!”
Find out more about Modern Apprenticeships available at the College.