Apprentice Broadcast Engineer Review

The scheme involves attending university lectures for 11 weeks a year. These weeks are fast paced and long hours in order to fit everything we need to learn in. When not at uni, we are on work placement. As we only get limited weeks on placement, we must have clear objectives and be proactive in finding tasks to do.

Through the course, we are trained in computer networking through a Cisco academy. We also attend weeks at BBC training in which we learn maintenance skills as well as training exercises in how TV is made.

The programme is fast paced and requires lots of effort put in by yourself out of working hours. Doing 9-6 days in uni can be tiring, but due to the proximity to the rest of your cohort, it is pretty fun. When on placement it can get slow, this is the only rest you'll get though as the uni weeks go so quickly.

Very valued. The course starts with weeks of BBC training before going to uni. At the BBC training, you get an overall understanding of the scheme and technology you will be supporting. Staff from all departments are happy to answer questions and helped you achieve you full potential.

Very structured. 99% of the time I know exactly where I will be in a years time which is great for planning ahead. A large proportion of the course relies on you to be organised and to ask for support or details when needed.

The university attempt to accommodate our needs but it usually comes down to the BBC offering support. The emails from the university tend to get annoying as we don't "fit" as students and don't need advice on getting work placements or attending student events.

When attending weeks at university, we get support through 1to1 phone calls in our private study weeks. On placement, support can be found through the BBC, but it is usually easier to gain support from the engineers within your placement.

Very well. It increases each year of the course as well! Those based in London also get London weighting on their salary which covers the increased costs of the city. When away at uni (if not based in that city), the company fund the hotel, travel and meals; meaning these months are brilliant for treating yourself!

Being on such a busy schedule means that we usually struggle to make events outside of work. We have access to many BBC clubs and memberships as well as different schemes around BBC bases. Doing placements for other companies puts you in contact with many other people and allows you to attend events put on for these companies as well.

Yes

It is a brilliant company to work for. It is world recognised and you gain respect from many for being part of the great organisation. Why would anyone not want to work for the BBC?

Believe in yourself. Make an impression so they remember you, but for the right reasons! Don't be scared to get stuck in and definitely be confident in your abilities!