New Talent Apprentice Review

I am a Digital Journalism Apprentice at the BBC. My daily tasks vary but as I am placed in the Newsgathering team, I often help correspondents and producers with researching or planning for news stories and packages. I also pitch story ideas that I produce myself. I work in an office setting and update my line manager about what I am doing once or twice a day. I am also able to ask any of my colleagues for advice at any time.

I have been trained to use different types of software that is used here, like CPS, Jupiter, DIVA and others. I've also been trained in Final Cut Pro and camera work and how to write to a word count. I've been on multiple training weeks that have taught me how to produce digital videos, television packages and radio packages from scratch.

I very much do enjoy my placement here due to the wealth of experiences I've gained here and how welcoming and helpful my team are. I also enjoy being able to meet different people and learning about their positions here. I like that I'll be able to arrange placements according to which outlet I would most enjoy soon.

I feel as though my managers are constantly supportive of the work that I do and always give me feedback that can help me grow. I am always credited for my work and am thanked for any supplementary work or help I give in the office. I would appreciate being asked to help out on more digital videos or anything like that.

When I am at work, everything runs very smoothly and is very well structured and thoughtfully organised. During training and induction weeks, the days are very well structured and we are told what to expect throughout. However, the college does not seem to be aware of the work schedule and sometimes that can cause missed deadlines.

The tutors are incredibly helpful and willing to clarify any queries I have. I receive a lot of support from tutors when I am at college but they can be quite hard to contact when at the work placement.

My managers are incredibly helpful and are responsive to my concerns and queries. They help me get in touch with individuals around the office to help with my qualification work and give advice and help whenever they can. They constantly encourage me to network and broaden my experiences of digital and traditional journalism.

I am appreciative of the salary and although living in London means that we get a little extra - a large part of my salary is spent on travel to and from the office. This leaves fairly little for living costs and other expenses.

There are a few networking events and some company talks. There is a membership system to visit a partnered gym.

Yes

As an employer, they are incredibly sensitive to their employee's needs and ensure that they are happy with the kind of work that they do. There is also a lot of mobility within the BBC and senior managers are always ready to help any progression in any way they can.

I would say that the BBC is always looking for new perspectives so if you are from an underrepresented community, it can be incredibly useful in pitching ideas. Demonstrating an interest in not only journalism, but the type of journalism that you would want to pursue would help them understand what you want out of the apprenticeship.