Apprentice Broadcast Engineer Review

Alternate between 3 month rotations at university and approx. 3 month work placements studying for a degree with modules including programming, electronics, computer networking and specific broadcasting technologies. The work placements are completed in various departments both internally and externally. Depending on where you are, the job role can vary from 1st/2nd/3rd line support to project work

I've learned skills in computer programming, computer networking, an understanding of the technologies the broadcast industry uses and some soft skills from having to interact with so many people during my work placements and at university. Overall I'm pleased in the position I am in having learnt so much

It's a positive experience mostly. The work placements are probably the most enjoying part as you get to be involved in areas you're interested in. You do have to push to make sure that you get placements in areas/technologies you want as sometimes you may be in a slow-paced area

Very well organised from the company end, supervisors and managers are always willing to talk to you or listen and we usually know which placement we're going to be on fairly well in advance (although this can sometimes vary depending on circumstances,). The university is very poor in terms of organisation unfortunately

The company is brilliant at support, managers and supervisors always listen with a friendly ear and make sure to address any concerns you may have both in terms of the university and academic side and in terms of working throughout your placement. Get togethers happen when they can especially considering how widely spread the company is office wise

The university isn't the best unfortunately. A lack of organisation, changes in course curriculum and miscommunication has bene rife throughout the completion of the degree. For some modules the lecturers have been fantastic but for others not so much and this has consistently been an issue throughout the apprenticeship. Hopefully they address the feedback given and improve the experience for other cohorts on the apprenticeship program

It's rare to be able to get an employer sponsored degree so in that sense I am in a positive position. A degree is fairly standard across the industry so it's a necessary qualification especially for later on in your career. The module topics supplement fairly well the work done on placement

Because of the intensity of the program when at university, you don't have much in the way of the university experience like joining student clubs etc. Work placements can be mixed depending on the people you work with and can occasionally have the opportunity to get involved in extra curricular events

Yes

They invest quite heavily in trainees and apprentices and make sure they progress in their learning and development. The culture is quite friendly and engineers on placement have always been open to sharing their experience and knowledge. Managers and supervisors in the placement areas and generally are always friendly and understanding

Strengths based interviews tend to be their preferred method of assessing candidates now. For example, gauging where your strengths are and how well you perform in a teamwork situation. Make sure you research the company beforehand and know why you want to get into the field and establish good rapport with the interviewers