Broadcast Engineer Review

Broadcast engineering is the technology, systems and principles behind all TV, Radio and internet broadcasting. I work with various teams over the 3 years, and have learnt a lot of different skills including problem solving and troubleshooting. The basic engineering operations role allows apprentices to shadow team members, following them to jobs in studios or being able to go to jobs on their own, improving their knowledge and confidence. I have been called to journalists needing help with software that has broken, and radio studio managers who have a problem with the desk technology or broken headphones.

I have developed the problem solving skills that I started in school, as working in broadcast some problems are 'broadcast critical' meaning they have to be fixed safely and efficiently. Learning to do things in a short time scale and having to think on my feet has really helped in other aspects of my life, and managing to stay calm while being surrounded by stressed studio users or journalists is key.

I love the work that I do and the teams that I have worked with. I think that there is no apprenticeship quite like this one, all of the managers I have worked with have been supportive and answered my questions, when I have wanted to work on something specific they have helped as much as possible to make that happen. The other course members have become friends of mine for life I'm sure, and I have enjoyed learning through working much more than the classroom experience.

The course is split into university terms and work placements. Through the 3 years there were sections of 3 months at uni, then 3 months at work. We get 24 days of paid leave a year that can be taken in work placements. For the most part we knew where we were going to be well in advance, and if we did not we were kept in communication.

Everyone I have met at the BBC has been very supportive and keen to have me involved in the work they are doing. They often recognise that this generation is going to be the future of broadcasting so are willing to impart information freely and make sure that we are comfortable while at work. My managers from the course have been an invaluable support over the 3 years and have made sure we are all well equipped for applying for jobs afterwards, and are always willing to listen to concerns on the phone.

The university was varied with it's support. Some of the lecturers went out of their way to help us, and I am grateful for them. Some did not seem to realise that we were all working in different areas and struggled to teach us on a level playing field. The replies from the course coordinator were sometimes slow and didn't answer the question asked, which could be annoying when I was over 150 miles away so could not see them in person.

The university aspect has taught me theory, some of which I have used in a day to day environment. Some of it was slightly outdated, some of it more useful than others. The Cisco networking course was a highlight of the university course, along with the time we were allowed to spend in studios and with cameras practically.

There is a lot of societies, including Women in STEM, Pride and running groups. It is slightly harder to join them for the 3 month periods that we have on placements but everyone I have seen and spoken to within them has been welcoming. Especially in London, I think there is something for everyone!

Yes

It is a progressive, accepting organisation with a good attitude towards staff mental health and wellbeing. As an employee I do feel valued and recognised within the organisation and within the teams I have worked in individually. Most of the other employees I meet are kind and willing to help apprentices and trainees regardless of their position within the organisation.

Know the values of the BBC, they are big on that. The most important thing they want to see is that you are willing to learn, and happy to be yourself. They are good at training and if you fear you aren't up to the job, you might still be the sort of person they are after.