Apprentice Review

Role involves rotating around various departments within BBC Scotland. Daily tasks include research work, finding contributors for programmes and features. Rotating around means we are continually networking with colleagues and helping work to broadcast deadlines. Occasionally we are asked to help with scripting and editing for broadcast and for online social media purposes.

I have learned a number of skills, from editing video and audio to producing high-quality and concise briefs for presenters. We've been through a wealth of training from health and safety to camera training to data protection. I've become accustomed to using BBC standard software for editing as well as programme playout systems. I've also learned how the day-to-day workings of the newsroom work and how this contributes to the wider BBC News output in the UK and world.

I very much enjoy the programme. The teams across the BBC are very friendly and eager for us to learn as much as possible during the scheme. The corporation treat us well and make sure we gain practical skills. I feel treated like a member of a team and am given a degree of responsibility and trust, which is essential for gaining as much out of the scheme as possible. I've thoroughly enjoyed it so far!

I do feel valued by the BBC. As apprentices, we are given a good amount of trust and responsibility. Our colleagues and bosses are eager for us to learn as much as possible. We have regular progress meetings with our mentors and scheme managers, keeping up-to-date with how we are getting on. We are given plenty of opportunities to hone in on our skills and the flexibility of the scheme means we can focus on areas we hope to work in in the future.

The programme is well organised, with a structured timetable to ensure we get a varied experience across multiple departments. This helps us hit our college deadlines. Each department is fully briefed and always have tasks prepared for us, making sure we are always busy. We have regular meetings with our mentors and apprenticeship coordinator.

I receive a lot of support from my training provider. The college course is well structured and we have fortnightly meetings with the lecturer to make sure we are hitting the deadlines and that our work meets the criteria. We also mark the work together, so that I know which parts of the college work I need to revise / look over.

If we have any questions, they are on hand to offer advice. They are also helpful with job applications and are always willing to read over applications and CVs. They have a positive attitude towards the apprentices and are eager to help us succeed.

Yes I feel that it meets my living and commuting costs.

There are some opportunities outside work, but not as many as there could be. The BBC does run events for staff, however they are normally tied into training etc. There are sports clubs at lunch time, but not many clubs that aren't directed to sport...I hope in the future that there'll be more variety.

Yes

It's a diverse, dynamic corporation with massive opportunities for staff at all levels. They have given me scope to grow and develop over the last few months, helping me gain essential skills for within the industry. They treat you very well.

I would advice others to show they are willing to work to the best of their ability. Display a sense of eagerness and interest in the content you're producing. Attend events promoting positions within the corporation, spend plenty of time on the application form and try to network with BBC staff and ask plenty of questions. If you have a specific skills, whether it be editorial or craft, don't hide it!