Early Career Apprentice Review

Although I'm an apprentice, working in a small radio newsroom means I am expected to do the same amount of work as my full-time colleagues. This ranges from finding stories, setting up/carrying out/editing interviews, writing cues, reading live bulletins and hosting live radio programs. At the same time, I'm also expected to complete the apprenticeship side of my role - passing exams and working on my portfolio.

I'd never worked in a radio station, so I've learned how to record and edit interviews, how to write radio cues and bulletins, as well as developing various interviewing techniques. I've improved my skills in writing online news stories and features, as well as building on my existing knowledge of filming and video editing.

I have enjoyed my programme very much, however it has been very stressful in its second year, mainly because my workload makes it difficult to work on my portfolio and other apprenticeship-related requirements.

Unfortunately, I have to say that the programme is not fully developed when it comes to apprentices outside of Glasgow/London. I'm based in a small newsroom in Shetland, and routinely have to spend two days to travel to London for a training block (every 2-3 months). Other previous apprentices in my area didn't pursue the placements on offer to all the apprentices because of this, however if one doesn't want to miss out and wants to get the same training and opportunities as everyone else, they have to spend days travelling.

My employer has been supportive, however they refuse to pay for my accommodation when I showed initiative to do one of the placements I was entitled to in Glasgow.

Staff at University of Kent have been very helpful, especially Rob. However, when sitting and preparing for our law exam, there was no support given to Scottish apprentices, who had to sit a Scots law exam (which is different from the standard NQJ law exam).

It's given me the basic skills and knowledge I need in my day-to-day job - especially filming tv packages at the university helped me feel more confident in making videos for our radio station.

There are, however, because I'm based in Shetland, I can't participate in them.

Yes

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Do not try to come up with intricate answers to questions when applying for a job/apprenticeship. Be yourself and not who you think the organisation wants you to be. Explain what experience and skills you have, even if they seem insignificant, and show how you have used them in practice.