Broadcast Engineer Review

Job Title: Broadcast Engineer Apprentice Daily Tasks: As part of the program, we do 3 months university and 3 months work placement, the work placement can vary as we work in a different area each time. The last placement I did was in the projects department where it involved working with others on various new technology projects in the BBC. Daily interactions internally: During placements, we are expected to communicate and cooperate with others in the department. Daily interactions externally: We are required to check and respond to our emails as our manager can require us to do certain tasks. Responsibilities: When I was in my last placement, a project was placed solely on me to complete with guidance from others. What do you do every day?: This could vary a lot in my previous placement, depending on what projects are active you can be doing a very big range of things.

Qualifications: We are going to receive a Beng in Broadcast Engineering provided by Salford University. Internal Training Courses: We have been to the BBC's training facility and completed some internal engineering courses. What have you learnt: I have learnt a lot of different engineering tasks and how some programs work, I have also learnt to work and communicate with others better.

Work: I enjoyed my previous work placement a lot as I enjoyed the wide variety of tasks to be completed. Team: I really like all the teams I've worked in, both in my previous placements and the other apprentices Company Culture: BBC has a very good culture, it has a way of making you feel relaxed but still expecting you to do your work. How well did it meet your expectations?: It has met my expectations very well, the only part which I am not a fan of is the university side of the work as some of it appears to not be taught the best by one of the universities.

Appreciation from manager: I have received feedback from my manager which was very warm and he seemed to be very appreciative of my work so far. Internal recognition: At the end of my first placement I received very good feedback of what I have done from people working in the area. Involvement within tasks/projects: I was very involved with each project I participated in

Induction: I received a couple of weeks of induction at the start of the scheme which was structured particularly well. Training: We have had a few weeks of training scheduled in which went to plan fine Studying: We have study weeks scheduled into our program Support meetings: I have had a meeting with my manager regarding my performance. Task delegation: When in my placement, I was delegated multiple tasks The program in general is fairly well organised, there are only 2 problems, one was near the start when our travel was being booked for us, some of the travel was booked at times which were difficult and also not on the best route. The other issue is the university which frequently makes errors in it's management.

I have tried to seek support from my university and have not received much in terms of help for particular subjects.

I receive any support required from my employer and can easily request to have a chat with my manager or mentor if I require it without any fuss.

Living costs: My salary covers my living in a cheap studio apartment Travel costs: Travel for work purposes is paid for by the BBC, for personal purposes I have to save up to travel somewhere Daily costs: I can usually afford daily costs as long as I closely watch what I am spending my money on and budget it for each month. Social costs: Similar to daily costs, I can afford to go socialise with some friends which live nearby as long as I budget it. Location: Salford is fairly cheap to live in so I can manage on this salary, if I was based somwhere like London I wouldn't be able to live there because of how expensive it is to live there, there is a London apprentice particularly struggling with this.

There are a few company events which happen when you are part of the BBC Club, you can choose whether to go to these or not. The BBC club also includes discounts to some leisure activities.

Yes

The scheme as a whole is run quite well and you receive a very wide range of skills.

Application process: Write as descriptively as possible but always keep track of the point. Interviews: The interviews are very relaxed, you should try to seem enthusiastic and be sure to ask questions if you are unsure about something they have said. Assessment days: During assessment tasks, you should try to be enthusiastic and having a good part in the task, do not try to be too overpowering however, it is better to suggest your thoughts on how to progress the task.