Broadcast Production Assistant Review

On my current placement, I have daily meetings, I regularly put briefs together and research for my own pieces and others. I currently run my own segment on the show I'm working on, so I record and edit those, too. I often go to see different exhibitions and shows too.

I have learnt a lot of new skills, such as recording in a workshop, audio editing, better research skills. I'm sure along the way I will learn even more as I go from placement to placement, and its great because their training is very high quality so I take away good practice.

I love the programme. I feel valued and privileged amongst my team, I am trusted to produce my own work. The scheme specialists are supportive and adaptive for what suits us, and there's lots of support for apprentices in the programme. I feel comfortable to express concerns, ambitions and ideas.

The programme is structured well. it has been slightly difficult navigating around COVID, but even so it has felt really smooth. There is very good planning for trips away and we know what we are supposed to be doing. We are also given many months notice about when we move to our next attachment

I receive a lot of support from my employer. The scheme specialists themselves give lots of emotional and constructive support. If there is something you're unsure of they are always there to help. My team for the placement are also incredibly supportive. They support my learning, take time to show me things, and the staff they set up to mentor and buddy us keep in really good touch and arrange regular chats.

The training provider is good. They have many sessions in blocks to help us learn new skills and develop current ones, they also teach us things we may need in the future, like pitches and budgeting. It has been slightly harder when on Zoom to stay engaged, but they did try to reduce session times to combat this.

I think right now, my training hasn't been specific to my current role, as it has looked slightly more on the TV side. However, there is radio specific training, I just haven't reached it yet in my course. The training will help me more after my apprenticeship, so I have a range of skills and knowledge to take with me.

There are networking events, training and some social events to attend. This has been harder again because of COVID, but now rules have been lifted, we are starting to become more social. I know that previously there was lots of social events, but there's still lots of voluntary training, short term attachments and people here have good relationships with colleagues.

Yes

I would recommend the apprenticeship to a friend. It's a gold standard company within the industry and genuinely don't think there's a better place to learn and have on your CV as experience, even if you go freelance after. It's also very rewarding and I have gained a lot of experience already.

Be your true self in your interview. Just think about what you love and your interests, and also what you don't know but would like to learn. Think outside the box with your ideas and take every opportunity in front of you, because you may not get those experiences again.