BBC Production Apprentice Review

I am a production apprentice at BBC radio 3. My daily role involves of guest research for In Tune, Organizing new CD releases that come through for Record Review, Some music reporting frequently and helping with the role of international Relations. Then I attempt to get meetings with people in the BBC and attempt to shadow various people working here.

I have learnt some new skills such as music reporting which is logging the data of what is played on radio 3, Then I got taught how a radio trail is made by shadowing the lady who makes them for radio 3 and 4, I have seen how live shows operate and I have booking studios and meeting rooms for people and to be more punctual and representative.

Radio 3 is a good programme but there is not a great deal of work for an apprentice. I have to ask for work all the time as not a lot of work is set for me which is frustrating. I would like to be in a more busy environment where plenty of work is available. I haven't been put with an actual programme yet which is disappointing.

I feel like people see me as helpful as I do try to help as much as I can and are valued to an extent. However, not being on a team yet makes me feel less valued and less apart of a team. I would like to help even more so and be even more of a bigger asset.

I am not actually on a programme in Radio 3 which is frustrating. However, Radio 3 overall is very calm, very organised and planned. It is a lot more calm than TV so there is not a great deal of last minute things in place. In Tune is a very busy show however but the structure is very good. Shows on the weekend are pre-recorded within the week.

My training providers are lovely but not hugely helpful with support on the scheme. I would like to switch placements half way to get more experience in another station as in radio 3 there is not enough work for me but they are not helping me at all, leaving myself to try and try and organize things which shouldn't be the case.

I receive a lot of support and feedback from my employees around me. When doing guest research I ask for feedback and they give a detailed response so I can improve for next time. My line manager and mentor both help me with having opportunities in the BBC which I am very grateful for.

The salary is fine and actually has just risen, they also gave a bonus at Christmas which is a very nice gesture. Living in London is very costly however as my rent is £1000 which is 70% of my wage. Then there is travel and food which leaves me with not a lot of disposable income.

Yes, being in the BBC there are many opportunities outside of work. This is one of the best things of being an apprentice at the BBC. I have been a runner on Children in Need, EBU 50th Anniversary and The Lord Mayor Show. I have been in the audience of the one show, shadowed trail making, shadowed The Now Show and many more.

Yes

BBC is a great company with many great radio and TV shows. The possible opportunities at the BBC are amazing and you can simply get a coffee with anyone with a single email and have a chat about what they do and if there are any opportunities possible. Everyone at the BBC are lovely within the organisation.

Tips I would give are do not be generic like everyone else as you will not catch anyone's eye. My advice would be stand out but not too much. Just simply look smart and be outgoing, be nice to others on the interview day and be helpful to others and have a good time and you will be seen.