Rating
- 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
- 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
- 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
- 4. How valued do you feel by BBC?
- 5. How well organised/structured is your programme?
- 6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?
- 6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?
- 7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?
- 8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?
- 9. Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
- 9b. Why?
- 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
I was on the BBC Production Apprenticeship, and was placed in BBC News as a trainee Camera Operator. This involved shadowing extremely talented camera operators, producers and reporters, following any News story that broke. The year was full on and never a bore, as I travelled the country following the General Election, went to Downing Street, met the President of Namibia, completed a Royal Tour of Poland and Germany, and much more. On a day to day basis I was in the office at W1A, waiting for a story. I then travelled to the story, helping with kit and setting it up. As the year went on I gained more responsibility, allowing to me to film more, finishing with me being on the main camera for live events. I also had the opportunity to volunteer on W1A, Comic Relief, Festival of Remembrance and Antiques Roadshow which were all immense fun. We went to college every few months, and had work to complete to receive our qualification at the end. The days in Newsgathering can be tough, with days ranging from 10 hours to 16+, but you'll learn so much and have a lot of fun.
I learnt how to be a camera operator, with filming, lights and sound. I also gained a First Aid qualification, Location Safety course, and will gain a diploma for my qualification. I have also improved my communication skills and confidence.
I really enjoyed my time on this apprenticeship. There were so many opportunities to enjoy, I met so many great people and made some amazing friends. I have learnt so much which will serve me well. It also allowed me to gain a job at the end!
I felt valued as an apprentice at the BBC, especially in my department of Newsgathering. They were desperate to get younger people in and they loved listening to our ideas. They always included us and allowed us to learn as much as we could.
The programme was quite organised. The work experience aspects were very well organised and we had lots of training and support throughout. The college part was well organised in the sense that we always knew when the training blocks would be, and would generally have plenty of notice of where they would be. There were times on the course where there was less organisation with our training, but this was due to external companies.
We also had 1:1 meetings with our line managers and mentors regularly, allowing us to voice any issues or questions we had. My assessor came to talk to me regularly too, both face to face and via email, allowing me to know how I was doing with my college work. We did not get masses of 1:1 time with our apprenticeship managers though - unless we requested due to a specific problem.
I received a mentor, line manager supportive colleagues, as well as my apprenticeship manager. These all kept in contact with me, and I knew I could contact them should I have any issues. In my department the apprentices, managers and mentors would frequently go out for dinner after work to socialise.
I was placed in London in W1A which was a great location. There were people in Salford, Bristol, Cardiff and Birmingham. I stayed living at home and so my salary was enough for me to commute into London. I received London Weighting. Our costs of travel, accommodation and food were covered when away.
There were opportunities to volunteer at different events outside of our work experience blocks, such as Comic Relief, and these are great fun. There were also bi-annual parties in my department. In my free time I practised my photography, saw friends and kept fit.
Yes
I really enjoyed my time and would recommend it to anyone who wants to get into the media and broadcast industries.
Be yourself! They aren't looking for any one type of person so be yourself and work out your strengths. Try and gain as much experience as you can beforehand, whether that's in a studio for a day or working on a school radio station.
Details
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Central London & City
October 2017