Apprentice Broadcast Engineer Review

I am an apprentice broadcast engineer, and I rotate between placements and am currently on my first placement within the BBC. I work with the full time engineers here and am involved in the projects they are working on, allowing for work in varied environments and on a wide range of different equipment and systems.

As I had just left school and had little practical experience in this field, I have learned a lot and have found everyone in the work environment very willing to engage me and teach me new things. I attended Birmingham City University for the first 3 months of the apprenticeship before going on my first placement, and will continue to rotate until I have gained a BEng(Hons)in Broadcast and Communications Engineering. There is a good balance between academic study and practical learning. However, while the BBC has given input on the university course, they are a separate learning provider - therefore it is not all tailored completely to industry.

The programme is extremely enjoyable, as it is a great place to work. The others on the scheme, as well as those who I work with on placement are very encouraging and definitely help you to achieve the best you can.

I do feel valued by the BBC, as feedback is given regularly and discussions are held between myself and my line manager and placement manager to discuss what is/isn't working and the best way to take certain projects etc forward. I am included in meetings during placement and I feel like my input is welcomed.

The programme is very well structured, with a solid 3 year plan in place to determine where very week in the scheme will be spent. There is an even balance of training, work and study and regular feedback is welcomed.

Birmingham City University obviously has many students, and we are a very small group compared to some of the other courses - so having a small teaching group is good. However, the maths module for example was very tailored towards A level students, so if you have another college or Scottish qualification it involved a lot of self teaching.

With the Academy being based in Birmingham and having managers based in different cities, support is good but it all mostly has to be done via email or the odd phone call unless we are scheduled a day whilst at uni.

It meets my costs reasonably well and is definitely a good wage for an apprentice, however after moving out it does need to stretch quite far.

As all other engineers work shifts at all hours it is hard to really get to know lots of people in the 3 month period you are on placement and to get involved with any activities that go on outside of your 9-5 shift. However, I have been offered other opportunities like outside broadcasts, although not by my department. As we are also in university 9-5 most days, and for intense blocks at a time it is difficult to get involved with any activities there

Yes

It is an incredible starting block for a career in broadcast engineering, and is a very worthwhile course with the industry lead.

Definitely relate every skill or trait you have and are asked about at the assessment centre back to the job description. Be engaging and enthusiastic - even if your experience is limited, they want someone who is willing to learn and get involved.