Digital Journalism Apprentice Review

As a digital journalism apprentice I edit videos, film videos and create radio packages for BBC radio Oxford. My normal day involves seeing what needs doing at the station, quite often going out and filming and interviewing, or making a package to go out on one of the radio shows. Sometimes I go out with television as well for experience, and I also have to keep up with my college work so I do that in the office as well.

I can now edit radio packages, interview, film effectively and have a good knowledge of what shots are necessary. I have the knowledge now to be able to make a video from start to finish including putting it up online. I now have a good knowledge of what’s required for social media and what’s needed for online, television, and radio. I also have some presenting experience.

I absolutely love it. It’s been difficult since coronavirus but everybody is just so supportive. I never feel like the office junior I’m always treated as a proper adult. I’m given opportunities, support and assistance whenever I need it but never patronised. This has genuinely been the best experience of my life.

The program is organised very well. I have managers and line managers to report to and all of my colleagues know my position and what I am and I’m not able to do. This means that I can take every opportunity and I always know exactly where I stand and who to talk to if I need help.

I receive just as much as I need. I’m never patronised and nobody ever thinks that I need more help than I do. Sometimes if I’m on clear on something I know that I can always ask, and my line manager is very supportive of my examinations as well as my professional development.

The college has been wonderful. Even during coronavirus lessons have carried on as best as everyone can manage. All of the training providers and teachers are experienced and know exactly what they’re talking about. I know that I will be able to have the best chance of passing the exams and I feel very confident

It helps me feel better because I know the law. This means that I can approach potential sources and interviewees with confidence solid in my knowledge of professional practices and legal issues. I don’t get bullied by agents or lawyers or frightened off because I know exactly where I stand without the college I wouldn’t be able to do this.

As apprentices we all go out together in the evenings which is lovely. There aren’t any extra curricular activities in particular run from my office but we do all go out for a drink sometimes. I really enjoy going out with the apprentices whenever we’re on training it’s a really nice way to unwind and it keeps us all connected.

Yes

It is a truly wonderful apprenticeship with excellent support from colleagues, job perspectives, work relations, and experiences. This has been a fantastic start to the media industry for me and I hope a long-term job at the BBC will be the result of it which is the best thing that I could ever have hoped for.

I would tell them to just go for it and be yourself. The BBC want you to be your own person and to be able to bring something new to the company. I would say to them grasp every opportunity and conduct yourself professionally and just try your very hardest but never lose yourself because the BBC want you not just your work