BBC Scotland Production Apprentice Review

BBC Scotland Production Apprentice 2013/14 Rotating round different departments each month completing tasks such as researching, contacting contributers, creating podcasts, formatting disks, writing articles, organising meetings and schedules. Interacting with departments internally such as BBC Sport, Music Radio, Gaelic, Factual, Children's, Topical Radio, Media Central and BBC Learing. As for externally - contacting different companies to find different contributers. We had to (as a group) create a short film to showcase our apprenticeship. We used the theme of different BBC programmes and comparing the idea in each programme to jobs we did as part of the apprenitceship. As an apprentice, i have a lot of repsonsibility to collate appropriate research and find the best contributers for the programmes.

I have completed an abundance of training courses throughout my time as an apprentice: Health and Safety – September 2013 Data Protection – September 2013 VCS (audio editing software) - October 2013 Newscutter (Video editing software) - December 2013 Working with children - January 2014 Audience Connection – February 2014 First Aid – June 2014 I have learnt how each department in the BBC works and how they get the best contributers. I have learnt to work in a very past paced and pressured environment and how to impress people in the industry. I have learnt how radio and television shows are broadcast and what they do if something goes wrong during a live broadcast.

I have absolutely loved the apprenticeship scheme so far. It is everything i expected it to be and more. I love the responsibility i am given as an apprentice. I am actually part of the productions teams in the different departments i go into - sometimes they are relying on my research for a programme to get broadcast. I love the buzz about the whole BBC building. The apprenticeship has given me experience and oppertunities that i would never imagined to have experienced in a lifetime. The Training courses which are provided are also an amazing experience and has taught me so much. The whole buiding works together to create great content for the viewers and everyone is very willing to show you different processes in their jobs. Invaluable experience which has provided me with the best experience ans skills to kick start my career.

The praise you get when you complete a task is always present, you can tell when the production team are happy with your work. If they are not too happy with your work - they will point out the areas where you went wrong and always explain to you how to improve. The teams are lovely and are always helping and avising you how to improve.

The apprenticeship programme is very well organised and it very structured day to day. Monthly catch ups are scheduled from the beginning with managers to check how you are doing and ask if you have any worries or problems. There are always tasks to be getting on with and the departments are very well organised and always have a structured programme for you to follow from the day you start in that department.

There is always support there from at least 3 of my managers. If i have a worry i never think twice about telling someone and getting it sorted. The guidance is impeccable and is very reassuring.

There is constant support from all of my managers and HR team. The guidance process is explained from the start and is just exquisit. I never feel alone if i have problems or issues.

Ideally, the salary could be increased a little. I do struggle with living costs - especially since i moved from a small town so no family to stay with. The location is good.

YES!! So many oppertunities you can get involved in. Volunteering at the beginning but eventually paid for.

Yes

Invaluable experience which you cannot get anywhere else if this is the industry of your choice. No amount of university degree compares to the apprenticeship experience in this industry.

The application process is tough - so just don't give up! Your personality is key for the apprenticeship, you need to shine through for who you are and not just focus on the experience you have. Show who you really are and how passionate you are about the company and content.