The Princess Royal Training Awards are one of our flagship programmes supported by our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who has championed the programme since its inception. Now in its eleventh year, the Awards have recognised over 300 employers delivering exceptional training programmes and demonstrating the positive impact that it’s had on individuals, organisations and wider society.
This week, Her Royal Highness visited the National Theatre to celebrate its pioneering apprenticeship programme, recognised with a 2024 Princess Royal Training Award (PRTA) and a special Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Commendation. The additional DEI Commendation awarded highlights the programme’s success in breaking down barriers to entry and creating a workforce that better reflects the society it serves.
The visit marked an important moment not only in recognising excellence in workplace training, but also in highlighting how long-term, strategic approaches to skills development can address some of the UK’s most persistent challenges to accessing skills.
A programme driving real change
The National Theatre’s apprenticeship programme was originally launched to tackle two longstanding issues within the creative industries: a lack of diversity in the workforce and critical skills shortages in backstage, technical and craft roles.
Historically, entry into theatre careers often depended on unpaid internships, routes that excluded many talented individuals and limited diversity across the sector. By contrast, the National Theatre chose to invest in paid, structured apprenticeships, opening pathways for people from a far broader range of backgrounds.
The results have been significant and include:
- 86% of apprentices complete their training
- 90% move directly into paid employment in their field
- Strong diversity outcomes, including 52% female, 41% from Global Majority backgrounds and 10.5% identifying as disabled.
In a sector traditionally resistant to those without higher education qualifications, the programme has successfully challenged norms – broadening access, strengthening the talent pipeline and helping to close critical skills gaps.
A visit behind the scenes
During the visit, The Princess Royal toured the National Theatre’s backstage workshops and the Dorfman Theatre, meeting 17 current and former apprentices alongside technical and production staff.
From scenic art and carpentry to props and automation, the visit offered a hands-on insight into the craftsmanship and innovation that underpin world-class productions. In a memorable moment, Her Royal Highness – herself a keen equestrian – met Joey, the iconic puppet from War Horse, brought to life by the very skills the apprenticeship programme helps to sustain.
Building skills for the future
As the largest employer in the not-for-profit theatre sector, the National Theatre plays a vital role as a skills incubator for the wider creative industries.
Since 2012, it has recruited more than 60 entry-level apprentices across 21 departments, spanning disciplines from carpentry and technical production to finance and digital systems. Central to this effort is the National Theatre Skills Centre, which continues to expand access to training nationwide and supports thousands of learners each year.
A shared vision for skills and opportunity
The National Theatre’s approach closely mirrors the long-term strategy of the Foundation, with both organisations united by a commitment to advancing technical education while taking a more strategic, system-wide approach to ensuring that skills development is available to all regardless of background or circumstance.
There is increasing recognition that short-term interventions alone are not enough. Instead, long-term, integrated approaches like those demonstrated by the National Theatre, are essential to creating lasting change.
By aligning training with real industry needs, investing in people over time and embedding inclusion at every stage, organisations can move beyond isolated programmes to build sustainable career pathways and skilled talent pipelines.
As our President, The Princess Royal has long championed the power of skills and vocational training to transform lives. Her visit to the National Theatre highlights the importance of recognising and scaling models that work; programmes that not only develop talent but also break down barriers and expand opportunity.
To find out more about The Princess Royal Training Awards click here
To find out more about the National Theatre click here
