Broadcast Operator Apprentice Review

My role day-to-day involves shadowing varied technical roles such as sound and camera operations in news studios and gallerys, then having a go in downtime, rehearsals and finally during live shows. I record my learning in an online journal, and over time build up projects that go towards my college qualification (Infrastructure Technician Level 3) to demonstrate new skills gained from experience on placements. I've also had training from industry professionals in lighting, editing, and vision mixing during trips away at our BBC training centre.

I've learnt so much in my relatively short time working at the BBC, and there is lots of opportunity to learn by practising as equipment can be made available, and everyone has so much experience and knowledge. Because people can be wrapped up in work however, and your main training during work placement is through shadowing, you have to be proactive and persistant and not wait for training to come easily. I've certainly further developed my communication and team working skills in the context of high-octane fast paced news environment, and as part of high profile media company overall. Most notably I've learnt vital operations skills of broadcasting equipment: sound desk, broadcast cameras, vision mixing desks etc.

It's really been fantastic so far- invaluable experience and enjoyable. Operating is fun, interesting, and skillful, and the people in my workplace have been very welcoming and forthcoming with knowledge. I don't so much enjoy the college side of things- particularly the exams, as they are unfortunatley somewhat unrelated to my job. Nonetheless it is interesting to learn to code and make databases and websites. This is not the fault of the BBC or my learning providers in anyway, but the lack of educatitve courses in technical broadcasting, and the government requirement for a formal qualification alongside work experience and training.

Exam and study time has been perhaps a little skimped, plenty of work placement is allocated which is of course more useful for our careers at the end of the apprenticehip, but it remains to be seen if the balance has been struck. If it were possible to study a college course about technical broadcasting rather than IT this would also be preferable. Given the circumstances it has been organised as well as currently possible, and improvements have been made since its first year (2016).

I receive a lot of support from my course and placement managers: regular meetings or calls to see how I'm getting on and discuss my career plans and how I'm facilitating that. They've also been supportive in the sense that they've been available to discuss and answer all my questions or concerns I may have.

I receive plenty of support from my learning mentor during work placement. We have regular catch ups to direct my learning for exams/re-sits, and creation of projects. During college learning weeks it can be rather stressful as it is at an accelerated learning centre, but this may suit you.

This is a sticking point as discussed above. The qualification itself is an IT Infrastructure Technician qualification which involves coding, network, database, website maintenance and creation. Very interesting and great for your CV but largely unrelated to the day-to-day job so study weeks have to utilised very carefully. I've opted to dedicate one day in the working week to revision at the moment.

There are plenty of groups here in London. There is a company club with discounted gym, bar and food, and there are activities in sports and arts, such as a staff orchestra, band, drama club, rambling, cycling, club etc. There is also a new Youth Talent Network to connect and support younger staff members with events, talks and socials.

Yes

The company community atmosphere is very positive as everyone I've met is friendly, passionate and cares about their job. The social activities organised outside of work are plentiful as above, and there seems to be good scope and guide for career progression and preparation for interviews. Though news is fast-paced, in general it has been a relatively relaxing place to work too.

Don't be discouraged- I applied 3 years in a row before getting in because I believed in myself and my passion for the industry. Any experience you can get before hand to demonstrate this is good experience and important to your application. Most of all don't be shy!