A man with a passion for making things with his own hands has seen his dream come true.

Flynn Clark, 21, from Leigh, has always since he was a young child been interested in making things.

When the time came to decide on a career path, his thoughts turned immediately to an apprenticeship in carpentry- and he now boasts a position as Scenic Carpentry Apprentice at the Royal Opera House Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop in Purfleet, Thurrock.

He said: When I applied I really didn’t think I would even get close because of my lack of experience so I actually saw the application procedure as an educational exercise.

“Even if I didn’t get the apprenticeship, I was going to learn as much as possible during the process.”

However, Mr Clark was successful and he is now in his second year of a two-year apprenticeship, studying at the Building Crafts College and working with the highly skilled craftspeople in the Royal Opera House Production Workshop.

He said: “I work in a high tech, cutting-edge workshop, making sets, designs and projects that are beautiful, crazy and engaging, and I’m learning from and working with the most skilled, inspirational people in really a positive atmosphere.

“But the most enjoyable aspect of this apprenticeship is it has given me the opportunity to care about the work I do.

“I love the pride that comes with each project or job and the ambition to learn and have new challenges in my career.”

Mr Flynn added: “This work gives me a huge sense of involvement in each project I do and extreme personal achievement.

“The apprenticeship completely exceeds my vague expectations.

“It’s daunting sometimes, especially if like me, you have very little experience in the field beforehand but I have a drive to dive into every aspect of it.

“I love my apprenticeship.

“I wake up every day glad to be a part of it.

“Not to say it’s not hard, there have been times that are physically and mentally exhausting but always rewarding.

“I’m very interested in travelling when I graduate, whilst still working in the theatre, and maybe one day looking into furniture construction and design.”

To find out more about apprenticeships with the Royal Opera House, please go to www.roh.org.uk/apprenticeships.

To discover more about backstage skills, take a tour at the Royal Opera House Production Workshop, call 020 7304 4000 or go to http://www.roh.org.uk/tours/thurrock-tour for more information.

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