Your next great team member could be an apprentice
Good production businesses know the value of learning on the job. Working alongside experienced colleagues, taking responsibility and understanding what makes a show happen have always been routes into our industry. An apprenticeship gives that learning structure, specialist support and a recognised route to progress.
And the audience for it is growing. UCAS has reported rising interest in apprenticeships among young people, while government is increasing investment and support for employers. Ambitious, academically capable school leavers are looking seriously at earning while they learn. Businesses can no longer assume the brightest and best will automatically head to university. For live events, that creates an opportunity to attract talented people early.
MUTI Live helps employers turn that opportunity into practical skills. A government-approved, Ofsted-regulated training provider specialising in live arts and events, MUTI delivers apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps and professional development. Its programmes are designed and taught by working industry professionals who understand the pressures behind the production schedule. Apprenticeship routes include Events Coordinator and Creative Industries Production Technician.
For employers, the principle is straightforward: an apprentice is a paid employee combining a real job with structured training. You provide the role, salary, supervision and protected training time during paid working hours. An independent training provider such as MUTI works with you on the programme, supports learning and progress, and guides employer and apprentice through to assessment. Apprenticeships can also develop eligible existing employees, giving good people a reason to stay and grow.
That is what happened at corporate events company ACF. Team member Luke undertook an apprenticeship focused on lighting and technical skills. As his confidence developed, he became someone colleagues turned to for technical and health and safety knowledge, taking on work the business had previously bought in. The benefit was tangible: greater capability within the team and a clearer future for a valued employee.
At the University of Bristol, the benefits have spread beyond the apprentice’s own role. Jo Friend, Head of Strategic Events in the Global Engagement team, describes an apprentice bringing enthusiasm and fresh perspective, then sharing course learning at weekly team meetings. Experienced colleagues learn too, while the apprentice develops around the organisation’s systems and culture. Jo is clear that mentoring takes time, particularly initially, but employer and training provider share the support.
There is financial help too. In England, eligible non-levy employers can access fully funded training and assessment for apprentices aged 16–24, within funding limits. A £2,000 hiring payment is available for qualifying new recruits starting apprenticeships from 1 October 2026, with additional payments for certain younger or eligible apprentices. Employer National Insurance relief also applies to qualifying apprentices under 25, up to the relevant earnings threshold. Employers still fund wages and the time needed to support development.
For production businesses, the opportunity is to build capacity, pass on hard-earned knowledge and develop colleagues who understand how your business works.
To explore which apprenticeship could fit your team, speak to MUTI Live at info@muti.live
