Apprentice Review

Currently I work in marketing for BBC One and so each day I work on the different campaigns for new and existing commissions resulting in the trails you see on TV, the internet and beyond. As part of the role I work in a large team but also individually and I am responsible for the delivery of key campaigns, working with multiple significant stakeholders

Yes definitely, stakeholder liaising and management is a key skill that I have honed in this experience as the nature of the role means you are constantly communicating with many different teams in order to get the best outcome, which in turn has developed my confidence, communication and persuasion skills and my creativity.

I really enjoy the apprenticeship, it's great being able to work in multiple areas and be treated the same as any other employee, being given real responsibility. The work is great and the apprenticeship itself provides great experiences, for example, I recently attended an event for national apprenticeship week at the House of Commons

I feel very valued by the BBC, specifically in my current role as it's very much all hands on deck so you are given real responsibility and the opportunity to work on high priority work. My scheme manager and all of my placement managers have been fantastic and really cared about my development, helping wherever they can with my own career plan to get me the experiences and skills I need

I think the current structure of the scheme is great. The working Monday to Thursday, then uni on a Friday makes it more of a social experience, it's great meeting up with the other apprentices on a Friday. However, I would definitely say that the scheme needs some more communication between the learning provider and the BBC so that we get a cohesive experience. I would also say there needs to be communication between the BBC and the apprentices before any changes are made to the scheme as we are the ones currently on the scheme and genuinely care for its success and there has been no consultation when changes are being made.

It has definitely been a rough journey between us and our training provider however I think things are now definitely in a much more positive place. We now have more contact with the two best lecturers/members of staff that Pearson have who have been amazing in finally making our training more cohesive and responding to us whenever we have concerns. I think if it continues down this path with these members of staffs support and guidance (and increased communication between Pearson and the BBC) it will be great

The support form the BBC is amazing and I personally find it hard to fault it. Our scheme manager is a great support to us with our long term careers and pastoral care, however, again, there have been issues where communication has lapsed although I think this is due to time constraints and such bug cohorts to take care of so I would definitely say that there should be another member of staff in the team, perhaps one for each cohort. As said previously, placement managers have been exceptional and have constantly and consistently gone out of their way to help.

Personally, I'm lucky enough to still live at home so the package has been great for me. However that being said, there are other apprentices who have had to move down to London and they are managing well. It's been great as we have received pay rises over the last two years to help bring us up to industry standards so I would definitely say new apprentices are going to be in a good place when they start.

There were more so in the first year, with opportunities to work on children in need etc. However I think I may have noticed more opportunities as I had more time, in the second year I can't say I have been seeking opportunities as I have been very focused on work and uni work as it seems to have ramped up a lot, especially as we have to find jobs at the same time. But I am aware there are opportunities for socialising within Pearson. I think potentially the BBC should have an apprenticeship social network with events etc. As there are so many apprentices.

Yes

The BBC is an amazing place to work, not just how prestigious it is, but it offers a great work life balance and allows you to follow your hopes and passions within your career, enabling you to follow the route you want. Again, the care and the attention you receive is great with everyone being willing to help you when they can.

Don't think you're not good enough, give it a go no matter what as you don't know what they are looking for. It is one of the best experiences I have ever had and put me miles ahead in my career, being only 20, having my degree and about to start my permanent dream job. It's also been great as I have made friends and memories that will stay with me for life.