Digital Journalism Apprentice Review

My day-to-day role is pretty varied: depending on whether I am on placement at my base, attending college or practical in-house training. On placement, I could be shadowing a producer or broadcast journalist on radio/television output, working with the online team to write stories based upon a press release or spending time with the digital team creating stories for social media. While at college, I have a class per day (9:00am - 4:30pm), covering 5 areas over the week (Essential Journalism, Media Law, Public Affairs, Video Journalism for Online, Broadcast Journalism) At BBC training, I could be learning about TV, radio or online getting hands on experience which I can take back to my placement.

I've learned how to write for TV/radio/online, and appreciate the difference between them. I had a bit of experience of editing and using applications before I started, so have been able to develop those skills further. I've learned a lot about the industry - e.g. Ofcom compliance and media law.

The DJA (Digital Journalism Apprenticeship) has exceeded my expectations before joining. Everyone is really friendly and supportive and it gives me confidence about a future career with the BBC. At college, there is a lot of work to get through, and you don't pass the exams just by showing up. It does give you a good understanding of the industry which you can take back to your placement and the qualification is industry recognised. Overall, the BBC works very hard to make everyone feel welcome, and give you the tools and support to get the job done.

From my first week at base, I've been introduced to senior managers who seem genuinely interested in my ideas and background. This is completely different to my previous employer. Everyone is keen to support you and willing to take time out of their schedule to speak to you. At first, it can be hard to feel like you are making a contribution when you are just shadowing others, but once you get a bit of training and you're able to write your first story for online - it does give you a confidence boost.

Before you start, you are given a calendar for the two years (subject to change) which gives you a clear sense of what you will be doing when. I was invited to a welcome day where I got to meet former DJA apprentices and editors/producers before I started. This was the first chance I had to meet my fellow DJA apprentices as a group which was good. You then complete a week-long induction, going through a lot of the obligatory HR-related information as well as some team building exercises which help you get to know people. Throughout the first year, you have blocks at college - which makes sense, as it helps keep you focused on college and not caught-up in the magic of being on placement. There is study time allocated before exams too. Depending on your base, you could be working in a converted house in local radio with a handful of people or in a national newsroom or New Broadcasting House. So everyone's experience on placement is going to be different. While on my first two weeks at base, there was sometimes gaps where I felt a bit surplus to requirements (there is only so long one person is able to talk to you about what they are doing). As time goes on though, you get to know more people and feel more confident about shaping your own destiny... without imposing upon someone that is up against a deadline. Once you get up and running with logins for systems, you also feel more able to contribute rather than just observe.

When you are at college, you are there Monday to Friday, 9:00am until 4:30pm. So you can't really argue with the class contact time you get. When back at base, you have some ongoing work/papers to complete to help you prepare for the exams later in the year. For the more 'academic' subjects, I think the quality of handouts/presentations could be improved. Some of the topics can be a bit dry - so varying the text with the odd video clip or visuals would help my learning style. Much like the BBC, they will make sure that everyone has the same chance to learn - offering additional support needs where required.

While on base, you are given a buddy (someone who has been through the DJA scheme or young enough to understand what it's like starting out) and mentor (usually a producer/editor that can help you get the most out of your placement). It is good to have those two forms of support... as you usually have very different questions for each of them. There is also central support from the DJA scheme manager and coordinator who are on the end of a phone at any point if you need them. They will also check in with you from time to time to see how you are getting on. The BBC, as a whole, is very inclusive and keen to support employees. From the welcome day onwards, you are regularly put in touch with people who can assist if you require any additional support or adaptations to do your job. After a few weeks, you get a feel for who is best placed to help you out with your query or problem.

Based on take home pay, its a bit of a struggle. However... you're not paying for your NCTJ qualification (that others have to) and your travel/accommodation/meals are paid for when you are away from home (about 18 weeks). My base location is the same distance as I was commuting previously, so isn't anything new for me in terms of daily travel costs.

At my base location, there it opportunities to socialise and get involved. The most recent email I got was about a charity football competition. When you are away from base training, you are in a hotel with the other DJA apprentices, so there is plenty of time to get to know each other and socialise... just make sure you're not burning the candle at both ends with the late nights.

Yes

You are working for one of the most trusted sources in news, gaining an industry recognised qualification and two years of hands on experience. You can't really argue with that.

Take time over the application, you get plenty of time before the deadline so don't rush it. The BBC is big on representing it's audience - so consider that in your application when it comes to discussing your own story ideas. At the assessment day, don't stress about it before hand. They really do make an effort to make everyone feel welcome and able to perform to their best. Unlike traditional interview processes, your 'competition' all want to make an effort to talk to you, because lets face it... we are all going to have to work together in the tasks ahead. So it was a bit of a strange feeling for me, sitting with other candidates and getting to know them at the start of your day. The other difference is that, your interview is just one slot in the assessment day schedule - so if you are normally really nervous for interviews, its nice to have got all the formalities out of the way so that you are ready to go in and do your best. One final thing... don't create barriers for yourself by thinking you're not the 'BBC-type' or try to be someone else. Age... gender... disability... ethnicity.... the BBC wants a diverse workforce that represents it's audience.