Rating

7.5/10
  • 1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
  • As a digital journalism apprentice my day to day role is across our digital sport online and social teams. This could be anything from writing news lines from press conferences or releases, to interviewing, shooting and editing video clips for social media and online. I also spend some time across radio which I have a passionate interest in going forward from my apprenticeship.

    9/10

  • 2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
  • I have developed my pre-existing interview skills. I previously studied journalism before but found that typical full time college was not ideal for myself as a learner. From the apprenticeship I have had the opportunity to learn how to edit audio and video using a plethora of software. I hope to continue developing these wherever I end up next.

    9/10

  • 3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
  • It is incredible to be part of the main output for BBC Scotland. There are many high points, such as the level of responsibility given to you to create and to pitch ideas. There are some low points - for example, our college element in Scotland over the course of 18 months has been quite inconsistent in terms of learning. Doing two courses (NCTJ diploma and a Modern Apprenticeship SVQ) has been challenging on top of a 40 hour working week, and I feel personally the lecturers weren’t as well equipped to teach us as the expectations we held were.

    7/10

  • 4. How well organised/structured is your programme?
  • The structure of college could be a lot better. It feels quite disconnected. For example, we spent a lot of time at college working on menial tasks when they could be tailored to the work we have on placement, or that time could be used to learn certain examined topics over a longer period rather than in a very short time frame a few weeks prior to examination.

    4/10

  • 5. How much support do you receive from your employer?
  • I have received great support from my employer in comparison to any other organisation I have worked for previously. Having faced some difficult personal challenges over the course of 2020, I have felt able to turn to my management and ask for help when needed. 9 times out of 10 that help is given and I am confident that because of this, I will succeed in future within the company, with a look to giving back when it is my turn to support others.

    10/10

  • 6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
  • The support from college has not been at the standard I expected going in to a course such as this. As we are the pilot year for the DJA scheme in Scotland, I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt that they were learning along with us. When there have been issues arising that I then make college aware of, they are limited in support and replies, and often I don’t end up with any answer and have to struggle through.

    3/10

  • 7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
  • Everything that I have learnt on the job has proven more useful than the qualifications, however, coming away from the apprenticeship with NCTJ accreditation is certainly useful for any future employment opportunities and to advance within the BBC, as it shows commitment and an understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to work as a journalist day to day.

    8/10

  • 8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
  • Before COVID-19, there were plenty of opportunities to join teams and social activities. There are many networks within the BBC such as BBC Pride, Raised, BBC Ability and Enigma - these are all networks UK wide and beyond who come together a few times a year or monthly to have meetings and discuss the future plans for the BBC within the diverse experiences of each member. They are a great way to network and find opportunities too, and to make lasting friendships.

    10/10

  • 9a. Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
  • Yes


  • 9b. Why?
  • I already recommend BBC as an employer to my friends and strangers online! It is a wonderful place to work, and the more people who get the chance to experience that, the better the content BBC will create. There is a common misconception that the BBC is only for middle class privileged people, and created by these types. It is simply not true and it is one of the most inclusive places to work and thrive.


  • 10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
  • Be yourself. It is easy to think that you have to fit a certain characteristic in an interview or application in order to be hired. They don’t want to see a chameleon version of you. They want to see authenticity and it shines through in applications and interviews. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the opportunity this time round, try and try again. There will always be a place at the BBC for those who truly want it (that makes it sound a little bit like Hogwarts, but it is true!)


Details

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Information Technology

Glasgow

April 2021


View More Reviews
Recruiting? See how we can help you