Production Apprentice Review

My day to day role has changed greatly - which is great. On a Television placement can involve location running i.e helping set up camera, mics, tripods and providing eyeline but if you're in the office it will usually involve doing some research and of course making tea! On a radio placement a day could be spent in the studio, fetching and briefing guests before interviews or if in the office you could be writing guest notes to finding archive to editing clips.

Have learnt an extraordinary amount over the last few months and expect to learn a lot more over the coming final months of the apprenticeship. As well as practical skills e.g learning how to use a camera you also develop confidence - which is critical in standing out.

The apprenticeship has been amazing, of course there have been ups and downs, but the experience we are getting and contacts we are making is unmatched.

I believe to be lucky in that I feel I have been particularly valued and crucially trusted by members of my production, clearly the message from [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is reaching lower levels of staff. However it is worth noting other have felt otherwise.

Some parts are very well organised, the apprenticeship is split into three placements with training blocks in between. However, these are not strict dates and the BBC are flexible if you want to experience a different department for day/week/month during a placement. On the other hand, initially placements seem to be organised a little rushed, with people finding out where they were going two days before they were meant to start, although I understand this is the nature of the industry. Training blocks at the later stages can sometimes seem a little less organised and can feel a little frustrating after a busy and exciting placement.

Apprentices have excellent support from both the BBC and Westminster Kingsway College throughout the scheme. Questions and problems are usually quickly resolved.

The support from the BBC is usually good, with most Production Managers understanding the role of an apprentice and how they can help the programme and occasionally give us options of what we would prefer do.

Do not expect to add to your savings during this apprenticeship - living in London is very expensive. However, most apprentices feel very lucky to be paid when you hear so many horror stories of long unpaid internships.

There are as many opportunities as you want to pursue. Your line manager will support you if you want to do something outside of work as well as taking on additional day work, for example running at special events e.g Glastonbury, London Marathon, The Boat Race etc

Yes

The experience here is something you will value for the rest of your career and sets you up with many useful contacts for life after the apprenticeship.

Before applying make sure you have some experience in the media - community radio is a great place to start. Be enthusiastic and passionate in your application. If you get a place try and do as much work outside of your 'contracted' placement as possible and say yes to everything. If you don't feel you are getting enough work, ask for more - never just sit there waiting for them to come to you. Also offer everyone a cup of tea - it will get you work in the future.