Apprentice Camera Operator Review

by BBC

Rating

8.3/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

I shadow news camera operators. This involves rigging, de-rigging, filming and broadcasting lives.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

I have learnt many new skills as well as developed my existing skills. I have learnt a lot about lighting, framing, sound as well as technical skills such as using a variety of different equipment.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

This programme is overall an amazing experience and allows access to many opportunities.

8/10

4. How valued do you feel by BBC?

I feel that I am well valued within news and receive all the help I need.

8/10

5. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The apprenticeship scheme has been very well organised by my managers in news. It includes regular training.

10/10

6a. How much support do you receive from your training provider?

I receive all the support I need within news. Some areas could be improved outside of news.

9/10

6b. How much support do you receive from your employer?

The news team supports me very well however I feel like we could get more support from BBC academy and the college.

8/10

7. How well does your salary/package meet your costs?

Cannot complain, we are well paid for our age and considering how much money the BBC spends on our training.

7/10

8. Are there many opportunities outside of work?

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved within the BBC. I have been looking to getting some additional experience from outside but it is much more difficult to find opportunities.

7/10

9. Would you recommend BBC to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

It is a great way to get into the TV industry and I have learnt a lot in a very short amount of time. Even if it fails, it is only a year which allows us to join university on the next year if necessary.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?

If you get to the interview, emphasise why you hope to learn/get out of it. I emphasised that I wanted to get into camera work and editing which is why they put me in news.