Apprentice Broadcast Engineer Review

The role title is an apprentice broadcast engineer. On a day-to-day basis whilst on my work placement, I shadow and assist the broadcast engineers supporting technology. Since work placements vary, I gain a varied experience in all parts of the broadcast chain

I've both improved my abilities with a programming language and have learned two entirely new ones. I have also expanded what I know on audio-visual systems, computer networks and databases. After learning these during the university periods, getting to put them to use during work placements helped to solidify my understanding.

I very much am enjoying my programme. There is a very good balance between work and socialising. If a placement does not capture our interest, it is very easy to request a different one which would be more enjoyable and interesting. All of the topics that we cover are also of interest so there is no getting bored

I feel fairly well valued, feedback given by work placement managers is relayed back and positive achievements and hard work is recognised. They try to make sure that apprentices get a variety work placements and take into account your personal interest when choosing them. Those that I work with on placement let me get involved in a variety of projects and take note of my input

The program is organised well - your time is split into university and work rotations, typically 3 months is spent completing university modules and then 3 months on a work placement, working in a variety of engineering departments across the BBC and other companies such as Dock 10, ITV, Arqiva etc

Unfortunately the university chosen to deliver the academic part of this course isn't the best. Certain modules delivered by the university have been disappointing and lacked organisation, whilst others have been delivered excellently by the course teachers. Avenues for feedback do exist however and so I hope that the university takes this on-board

Very well supported. Regular catch-up calls are scheduled with the scheme manager and assistants to keep us informed about future placements and allay any concerns we may have in general. The BBC has a very positive attitude to training and developing its apprentices and this is highly encouraged by the scheme managers

Salary is good for an apprentice, those residing in London receive London-weighting on top of the base salary which is nice. For those living outside of London, budgeting can be a bit tight especially if renting. Travel costs to university and accommodation whilst at university are fully covered by the BBC

There are many networking events, however I would like to have more outside of work opportunities where there are options to go to other buildings and have a look at what facilities they have. The networking events are usually social events hosted by the BBC on a weeknight so travelling can be difficult for me especially with work the next day or when at university

Yes

If interested in broadcasting, they provide great training and experience, along with good qualifications. The support structure has been very helpful and I have learned much more than I would have, if I had solely gone to university. I always feel valued in my work and opportunities for training and development are readily available

Its not always necessary to focus on what experience you have, I found that showing my personality was definitely more advantageous than experience. I was told after the interview process that they choose candidates that have the motivation more than knowledge, because knowledge can be taught however motivation cannot be