Rating

9.6/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As an Apprentice Broadcast Operator my role includes anything from setting up the studio for a pre-recorded or live broadcast, to finding and solving technical problems within my base of work. Each day provides a variation of tasks to complete, which keeps it very interesting and allows me to keep learning day-in-day-out. For example, in the past week I have been in the studio assisting in the set up for both the lunchtime and evening news by adjusting the lights, cameras and set to suit the needs of the show. I have also been in the gallery (where the direction and vision mixer sit) during programmes to get an insight into what goes into a broadcast. To finish off my week I was also taught how to ingest media into the system from camera cards into the server, so the editors and journalists can get to work on the content.

    10/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • While completing this apprenticeship I have had time at college to work towards a qualification in Digital Technology (Level 3 City and Guilds), which provides a good understanding and knowledge on the technical side of the job. This course has been essential for me, as I didn't have even a basic technical understanding when I started. Also, when I am on placement I learn various practical skills such as camera work, vision mixing, lighting, sound and media ingestion. This means that I am now multi-skilled and can be relied upon to get an array or work done. This apprenticeship has also provided me with a good platform to improve my people skills and become a more confident individual, as I am put into contact with new people every day.

    10/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • So far I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship, as each day is different and everyone I have met on placement has been very welcoming. During college I am with several other apprentices and in our down time we have plenty of opportunities to go out and enjoy the city in which we are based. This apprenticeship is very hands on, which is what I enjoy as I find it much easier to learn that way. The variation this hands on approach gives you also helps to keep it fresh as you never know what you may be doing in the coming week.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BBC?
  • I feel very valued by the BBC, as in every aspect of my time with them I have been given support from colleagues and managers. Each week I have a catch up with my placement manager to see how I am doing, and my apprenticeship managers keep in regular contact with me.

    10/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • Overall the apprenticeship has been structured and organised well, as we are regularly given updated timetables to show where and when we are doing our placements, training or college time. It has also been organised so that you get a good amount of training before going on placement which is a great help.

    9/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • When at college we are provided with a tutor who we meet with on a weekly basis to address any concerns or struggles we may be having with our assigned work or projects. During class we are also encouraged to ask as many questions as possible which is a great help to understanding our work.

    9/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I have found that the BBC have been very good at providing a support network from which I can find mentors and colleagues to confide in if needed. Also, both my placement and apprenticeship managers have got to know me on a personal level, which has given me the confidence to go to them if I have any questions or concerns. This is very valuable to me considering that it is my first full time job.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • On an apprenticeship wage it is always difficult to budget properly, but I feel very lucky to get paid a decent salary as a lot of apprenticeships either give no salary or a very low one at that. The pay meets my costs as long as I am careful with my spending, which goes without saying for any apprenticeship wage.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • Outside of work there are opportunities for my apprenticeship cohort to take part in regularly. My managers are very good at giving us information about the relevant opportunities, a few examples of this were chances to assist with Children in Need and Sports Personality of the Year. It is also made apparent to us that we should be asking around independently for opportunities in our placement bases, which I feel is a valuable skill to learn for future employment.

    10/10

  • 9. Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I would recommend this apprenticeship to a friend because it is a great way to get your foot in the door of the media industry. The opportunities the job offers will also put you in good stead for future employment, and considering it is with arguably the biggest media outlet in the world it will look great on your CV. Also, during your time with the BBC you will make many life-long friends and memories which is always an amazing thing to be able to do. If you are interested in the media industry I cannot recommend this apprenticeship enough.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
  • If you are looking to apply for this apprenticeship, I would recommend going along to the BBC Get In events which are hosted at different BBC bases around the country. During these events, employees of the company give their tips and tricks on how to get through the application and interview process. I would suggest taking a pen and paper too so that you can make notes to refer back on. I went to one of these events before applying and found it very useful throughout. Furthermore, I would recommend being yourself and showing your passion for the industry throughout the whole process, as they are looking to employ people who are friendly and hard-working with a strong will to learn. Experience is a good thing to have, yet it isn't needed for any of the BBC's apprenticeships!


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

South East

January 2017


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