Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation funding will support a new programme at Birmingham Rep in 2025 - 2027, introducing apprentice pathways for young people across the West Midlands.

The Creative Industries Production Apprentice and the Scenic Construction Technician Apprentice will specifically encourage young people from communities in Birmingham who are under-represented in The Rep's workforce and the wider theatre sector.  The apprentice schemes will involve training and preparing young people from diverse backgrounds for careers in backstage roles learning alongside professionals in one of the UK's producing theatres, and improve employability prospects for young people across the city. 

• Rachael Thomas, CEO, Birmingham Rep: “We’re delighted that Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation has chosen to fund our apprenticeships programme, which will fund 2 apprentices in backstage roles over 2 years. With full production facilities on site here in Birmingham we’re hugely proud of the production and technical craft skills that are nurtured in this building.  We’re also committed to diversifying our workforce and opening up careers in theatre to young people from a wider range of backgrounds.  As the only producing theatre in one of the youngest and most diverse cities in the UK this is therefore a great opportunity to marry our aims of developing the production arts and building a more diverse workforce.  We look forward to discovering new talent in our city and region and the opportunities that will bring for both the apprentices and The Rep. Without Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation’s support, it would not be possible.”