Broadcast Engineer Review

As an Apprentice Broadcast Engineer, I am studying for a BEng in Broadcast Engineering at Salford University as well as completing placements in the industry. 6 months of the year is spent in university whilst the other six are spend in placements which can either be inside the BBC or at other companies such as ITV, Arqiva or Channel 4.

I have learnt so much already over the past year. As well as our degree, we are doing a Cisco certified module which means we can also get a Cisco qualification at the end of our studies. We also get the opportunity to do several BBC qualifications throughout our three years. There is an emphasis on teamwork and I think I have developed my teamworking skills to a great extent.

I think the programme is excellent and I love being able to learn something new every day. The team of apprentices and the teams I have worked in on placement have been great and so willing to part their knowledge. The culture of the BBC is generally very welcoming although as with most big companies there is quite a lot of politics involved. The programme is meeting my expectations very highly at the moment and I'm really enjoying it.

I feel incredibly valued, my manager is fantastic and always gives me the recognition I think I deserve, as well as always been able to help when I have any problems. I feel I have got recognition from other departments when I have been on my placement although feedback was a bit limited.

The induction programme provided was hugely insightful and useful, I learnt a lot about the BBC and had great networking opportunities. Sometimes I have felt like we have had too much work on our plate at a time and this should be spread out a bit better The organisation on the university side has been disappointing, we have often received timetables late and sometimes inaccurate.

Support has also been great from my management side but unfortunately from the university I cannot say the same. As we do a lot of distance learning lecturers have been largely unable to help us when we need help or have told us they can't help us because they are too busy. When I have a problem I find it easier to discuss with my manager than with the university, which is a bit of a shame.

My manager is very supportive and will always go out of his way to help when I need it. I have also been supported by other members of staff and everyone seems very willing to help.

Unfortunately the salary is not really adequate to live alone on, especially in London when on placements. This is somewhat rectified by the expenses policy when at university however it is still a bit of a stretch.

There are not really many opportunities to integrate with the rest of the company and partake in events or activities since we are travelling around a lot. The BBC club offer events and classes so the opportunity is there if you want to join in while you are on placement.

Yes

It is a really enjoyable course with a great company and will put you in excellent standing for the future.

Be yourself and make sure you have a keen interest in technology!