Rating

9.3/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • The scheme involved 4 days in the BBC consisting of 3 x 8 month placements, and 1 day a week at Uni completing an accelerated BA (Hons) Business Management. In addition to this we also had to complete a Level 5 higher apprenticeship in Leadership and Management. My first placement was working as a Business Assistant in Business Affairs - Comedy and Entertainment. I had to produce contracts for writers and contributors, ensuring payments were made. We occasionally got to attend read throughs for new commissions. It gave great insight into what goes into making a programme. My second placement was as a Business Co-ordinator in the Online Technology Group and Digital News. The role involved supporting teams with kit and managing budgets. Whilst in this role I volunteered for a project with our diversity board where I was the lead on producing a series of digital shorts aimed at making the work environment more inclusive and tackling unconscious biases. My third placement was as a Project Co-ordinator for TV Project & Change. This involved supporting our project teams, including assistant project manager tasks.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have increased my project management skills and attended internal Lean courses. I have been able to implement changes to teams that I have worked in and been able to lead on project workstreams. I have had experience managing large budgets and making efficiency savings. I have learnt how to produce shorts from the initial concept to editing the final film.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • I loved the programme as I was gaining qualifications to enhance my career whilst also gaining insight into the creative industry. Moving around the business helped me to realise my strengths and where I could advance my career. I learnt new skills in every team I worked with and they were always supportive in allowing me to get involved with additional tasks and listening to my ideas about improvements for the team. Often coming in as an outsider I was able to provide a fresh view to processes.

    10/10

  • 4. How valued do you feel by BBC?
  • The BBC provided us with mentors and sponsors which was greatly appreciated. The BBC is really passionate about getting more apprentices in the business to increase their diversity, reflecting more of the audience in what we do. There are a lot of people who are happy to provide you with time outside of the scheme to explain their role and provide career advice.

    9/10

  • 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The BBC side of the programme was structured extremely well. It was clear and they listened to our opinions. The apprenticeship tutor was incredibly supportive and really helped us to achieve our outcomes. On a few occasions communication could be difficult with the degree learning provider but we always flagged issues. Overall it was always clear what was expected of us and what we needed to achieve.

    8/10

  • 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
  • Tutors provided feedback from proofs before submitting assignments to allow you to tweak and improve work. The tutor for the apprenticeship was amazing and incredibly supportive. He made sure we understood what we needed to do.

    10/10

  • 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • The BBC was incredibly supportive. We had various networks of support; line managers, scheme manager, mentor and sponsor.

    10/10

  • 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
  • Initially as we were the pilot we did not receive London weighting so it was an unlivable salary. We were able to still receive a student loan but the whole point I did this scheme was to avoid student debt. However, it still was a lot lower than if I had gone to Uni the traditional way. The salary has since been increased and London weighting has been included. The new salary is good for an apprenticeship salary.

    9/10

  • 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
  • The BBC has hot shoes placements which allows you to apply to work in another area for 2 weeks. There are also various events you can volunteer to work on such as Children in Need. There is also a BBC Club you can join which has a wide array of societies to join and a cheap onsite gym. The Uni also made you feel welcome and you were able to be part of societies and were invited to events. There is lots to do in London so you are able to have a social life or get involved with various activities.

    10/10

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


  • 9b. Why?
  • It is such an amazing place to work and as a large organisation there are so many interesting areas to work in. It provide plenty of opportunity to move vertically as well as horizontally. You can also volunteer for lots of things outside of your day job.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
  • Be yourself. The BBC are looking for diversity so don't be who you think they want you to be. It's a competitive process but definitely worth it.


Details

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Business Operations

Central London & City

October 2017


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