Business Management Aprentice Review

I am currently working within Radio 2 and 6's Music Production Management Team as part of my first 8 month placement. This department covers a wide range of tasks that involve updating JML spread sheets, ensuring employees have the correct access to buildings and different files, ordering any equipment that may be needed and ensuring people are given the correct training. On top of this, I have shadowed many producers and had the opportunity to sit in on many live shows. I have recently been put in charge of information about guests that presenters can use when they are featuring on their shows. So far I have seen/ met loads of famous people which gives me great bragging rights when speaking to my friends and family.

This apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to gain a full degree in business managements as well as a chartered management qualification. On top of this, we were instantly given a weeks training course in Birmingham and following this were given different training days which provided us with all the necessary skills and values to be a BBC employee and make us more employable candidates in the future. More specifically, my manager has been super supportive and given me all the necessary training to complete my job role and is always there to help me with issues. My main skill that I have built upon is my performance in meetings and my ability to network.

I love work. The BBC are a great company to work for and the team I have been placed in are all so friendly. All the apprentices get on really well and we are great friends inside as well as outside of work. The university works well for me as it is very flexible due to the majority of it being online and therefore you can easily work it around your working/ social life. Work culture is very flexible and relaxed which makes you enjoy it. We are already involved in fundraising for Comic Relief- the whole process exceeds my expectations.

The BBC constantly invest time and resources into you. For starters they're providing you with a debt free degree and provide loads of external opportunities and training course. My manager appreciates the work I do and has made me feel like a valued member of the team. We are trusted to be involved in tasks straight away and given many projects such as fundraising for Comic Relief, with the apprentices being in charge of the whole project.

The induction involves a week away in Birmingham which is well structured however can be quite tailored towards the production/ engineering apprentices and the journalists. However, it is still useful to gain a good insight into the BBC and become immersed in their values. The training staff within that week are also really friendly and happy to answer any questions. Training is offered throughout within the BBC with constant meetings and a clear support network which helps you gain a quick understanding of the way the company works. The first week can be a bit confusing but my placement manager was very organised and provided me with a good insight of what my role would entail. In regards to the college, due to the fact that the style of learning is completely new and we only go once a week it can be really tricky to get your head around the structure. However, stick with it! Once you get your head around the routine of which lectures you need to watch online during the week, the preparation needed for the Friday seminars and the way to navigate around the online VLE in order to gain access to emails, library resources and essential reading it becomes a lot easier. Also the lecturers and staff are great so they will try and help you as much as possible. The structure of the whole thing can be confusing and hectic at the start which is purely due to the fact that this is not an easy transition from A-Levels and it involves a lot of time management in order to fit in work, study and have a social life! However, I cannot stress the amount of support and understanding that both the BBC and uni have.

The support given by Pearson college is great. Despite only being at university one day a week they make all attempts to involve you in university life including external events/ clubs. The lecturers are super friendly and easily clear up any issues. The atmosphere is unlike any university; it is very chilled out and will adapt to fit the needs and learning style of you. The majority of the lectures are online and so they can be watched, paused etc.. when best suits you which I find really useful. Also, there is a student service available at the college and through email which helps with any issues. However, merely due to the fact that were at the actual college one day a week it can be a bit tricky if you want instant answers.

BBC is also very supportive; my placement manager is lovely and from the offset was very approachable and willing to help. From the outset she introduced me to all the people in the department and gave me a tour, helping me to fit in and become more at ease with the whole process. She is constantly offering me the support I need. My scheme manager is also available to turn to if there are any wider/ more general issues. We are also given a buddy of whom is from the previous years intake-they are really useful to answer more personal questions and get a more relatable outlook on life as an apprentice.

Living in London comes with a cost of which my salary alone barely covers. I live a fair distance away and as a result had to move to London. I was a bit naïve as to how expensive living in London actually is. My parents help a lot towards accommodation costs as these are double what any of my friends are paying at their university and we aren't entitled to a student loan. Living costs in general (for example, food) aren't that much higher however the price of a night out and travel costs are steep. Have in said that, I love London and the opportunities it brings. On top of this, the BBC also provide a loan for paying for season tickets and there are options available such as apprentice oysters that you are entitled to (only if you live in London).

Pearson ensure that they immerse you in all aspect of university life such as becoming a student ambassador or joining clubs to meet your interest such as football or netball. BBC have already given us the opportunity to go on NewsJack and on the One Show and saw Alan Sugar. There are many opportunity such as discount vouchers for gyms and food and events that are free- I have recently applied for Sam Smith tickets. I am based on Oxford Street and so I always manage to fit in a shop during lunch hour (much to the disagreement of my bank balance). Working for the BBC opens up so many opportunities in itself and due to the fact that its based in London there are constantly events that are available to get involved in.

Yes

BBC is recognised as a worldwide organisation. They provide a free degree whilst gaining a wealth of work experience making you so much more employable and opening up so many doors leading to great opportunities.

The application process is lengthy. Do not be disheartened if you don't hear from them in a while. Be prepare- learn about the BBC by studying their website and be original why do YOU want to work for the BBC. Look at the values of the BBC and think of some real life examples of when you've shown them. Get involved with loads of extra curricular things as this will really help you in the interviews. On the assessment days, just be yourself- if you're right for the company they will recognise this. Id love to be told on the day just to relax seen as I was a bag full of nerves. It is also just as important to focus on the uni aspect of the apprenticeship during the interview as it is working for the BBC.