Broadcast Operator Apprentice Review

My job title is a 'Broadcast Operator Apprentice.' I am currently on my first placement which is newsgathering at NBH in London. I am working on the intake desk. This generally involves taking calls from correspondents out in the field, who wish to dispatch their packages, or be put through to a studio or workshop. This can often be a correspondent at a BBC bureaux, e.g. Beirut or Nairobi etc, and we have to complete the necessary steps to put them through. I talk with people who are under pressure and who need things doing quickly.

As part of the apprenticeship we do a course alongside it at Newcastle College. Also, I have learned how to pick up the phones etc, how to talk to people with the correct etiquette, and also tolerance towards people who may perhaps be under strain, and are quite abrupt and often rude. We also did lots of health and safety and practical courses such as 'personal effectiveness' whereby it taught us how to be our best professional selves.

I very much enjoy the cohort of people I am fortunate to be completing the apprenticeship with, and the friendships that we have formed. The team I have just joined have been extremely welcoming and friendly, and are always happy to answer any questions I may have. It is very exciting and I feel that I will make significant progress within the 2 years, therefore reflecting in my

I feel extremely valued by the BBC. We have very supportive and proactive scheme co-ordinators who ensure that we are making the most of our time at the BBC. All staff have accepted us as exactly that, staff, and are always happy to explain things however many times are necessary.

We knew what we were doing from the very beginning, and a complete schedule was given to us near enough from the second week. We have set days that are split between college and training, aswell as our placements, and our managers are always there to email if we need clarification on anything.

Newcastle college is teaching us the course that is additional to the apprenticeship. They have tutors who teach us, and some of those have been good. We have regular meetings, and if there are any problems we know that our managers will sort it out for us. The BBC academy supplied us with excellent training prior to beginning any sort of placement, and we were really fortunate to have this.

My employer is very supportive, and we have excellent proactive scheme managers who ensure that we get the most out of our experiences. They are prompt when replying to emails, and are friendly and cooperative. Within the workplace we have even more managers who often catch up with us, and listen to our plans for the future and where we wish our careers to progress to.

I personally receive the London weighting as I am placed in London and am very fortunate to have this. The salary is very fair, and I feel that I work hard to achieve that, and the BBC gets its value for money without spending extortionate amounts. Travel in London is obviously expensive, but the BBC run shuttle buses to and from different BBC bases which is handy.

There is the BBC club, which is a great resource for staff and allows them to socialise in a nice environment. I have only just started to don't really know about the events or initiatives but I did get an email last week about the business apprentices who are doing a charity event as part of their course to do with walking.

Yes

Good company who listen to concerns and make sure that you are happy within your job and getting the most from your position. They don't exploit you, and you feel very safe within the corp.

Ensure you prepare prepare, and prepare! If you don't prepare, you will look like a fool. Know the business, know the facts and figures, and know WHY you want to work for them. If you aren't passionate, you may aswell stay at home.