A Guide to Apprenticeships at the BBC (in 2024)

Apprenticeships offer a fantastic opportunity to kickstart your career while gaining valuable practical experience and learning from industry experts.

If you’re passionate about media and broadcasting, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) provides a wide range of apprenticeships across four key areas of early career progression: journalism, production, engineering & technology, and business. In this guide, we’ll explore these exciting apprenticeship pathways at the BBC, how you can apply, and what you need to know to have the best chance of success.

BBC Careers

The Reporting Revolution

The BBC is widely recognized for its exceptional journalism, setting high standards in delivering news that informs, educates, and entertains audiences worldwide. For aspiring reporters, researchers, and news enthusiasts, the BBC offers apprenticeship opportunities specifically designed to nurture their interests and develop their skills.

Within the realm of journalism apprenticeships at the BBC, you’ll embark on an immersive journey that exposes you to various facets of news production. From the very beginning, you’ll be actively involved in the creation of news content, gaining hands-on experience in different aspects of the field.

One exciting aspect of these apprenticeships is the opportunity to work alongside seasoned journalists who have honed their craft over years of experience. This mentorship allows you to learn from the best in the industry, benefiting from their guidance, expertise, and valuable insights.

You’ll also have the chance to contribute directly to news stories. Your ideas, research, and input will be valued, giving you a sense of ownership and accomplishment in the work you produce. This involvement in news production offers a real-world understanding of the fast-paced and dynamic nature of the journalism industry.

For the best chance of landing a journalism apprenticeship at the BBC, it is essential to showcase a strong passion for news, a commitment to journalistic integrity, and a willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Creative Sparks Ignite

If you possess a natural flair for creativity and thrive on transforming ideas into captivating visual and audio experiences, the BBC’s production apprenticeships are tailor-made for you.

These apprenticeships will plunge you into the world of media production, spanning across television, radio, and digital content creation. With a multitude of roles available, ranging from scriptwriting to camera operations, editing, and production management, the BBC provides a diverse range of opportunities to nurture your talent and participate in projects.

As a production apprentice, you’ll witness firsthand how concepts evolve from initial ideation to the final polished product, engaging with industry professionals, who will guide you through the intricacies of each role and provide mentorship along the way. The BBC’s commitment to excellence in production ensures that you receive comprehensive training in various aspects of media creation, empowering you to contribute effectively to the final outcome.

For the best chance of starting your career in production, think about how you can gain skills as a hobbyist, perhaps producing your own shorts for TikTok or YouTube. To stand out as a candidate, try to build a diverse portfolio that showcases your unique your skills and interests.

Tech Wizards Wanted

Behind every successful broadcast lies a team of talented engineers and technologists who work tirelessly to ensure seamless operations. The BBC’s engineering & technology apprenticeships offer an exceptional opportunity to delve deep into the technical aspects of broadcasting. By embarking on this apprenticeship pathway, you will have the chance to explore the intricacies of maintaining broadcast equipment, as well as venture into the exciting realm of emerging technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

Within the BBC’s engineering & technology apprenticeships, you will gain practical skills that are integral to the smooth functioning of audiovisual systems, network engineering, software development, and more.

As an apprentice, you will work alongside experienced professionals who will guide you through the inner workings of broadcast infrastructure, teaching you the best practices and industry standards. Through hands-on experience, you will develop technical expertise and problem-solving abilities required to overcome the challenges that arise in the dynamic world of broadcasting.

Furthermore, the BBC’s commitment to innovation ensures that apprentices have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies. From immersive virtual reality experiences to the integration of artificial intelligence in content creation, you will be at the forefront of technological advancements shaping the future of broadcasting. This exposure to emerging technologies equips you with a unique skill set, allowing you to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of media and technology.

For the best chance of landing a technology and engineering apprenticeship at the BBC, it is crucial to demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude in the technical aspects of broadcasting, along with a willingness to continuously learn and adapt in a rapidly evolving industry.

Business Brilliance Unleashed

For individuals with a keen interest in the business side of the media industry, the BBC provides an array of apprenticeships in diverse business functions. These roles span across essential areas such as finance, marketing, human resources, project management, and legal affairs. By undertaking these apprenticeships, you will have the invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of media business operations and gain practical experience in specialized domains.

Within the BBC’s business apprenticeships, you will acquire fundamental knowledge of key business principles while also gaining a deep understanding of how they are specifically applied within the media landscape. Whether you are involved in financial management, marketing strategies, or talent acquisition, the focus will be on developing your business acumen within the unique context of the media industry. By working within these departments, you will gain insight into the inner workings of the BBC’s business functions, and how they contribute to the success of the organization’s overall mission.

For a chance to be a business apprentice at the BBC, you should ensure that you showcase a strong passion for the media industry, a keen interest in the business functions that drive it, and a willingness to learn and adapt within a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

The BBC Apprenticeship Hub

To access these exciting apprenticeship opportunities, the primary destination is the BBC apprenticeship hub. This online platform serves as the central hub for all BBC apprenticeship roles.

Through the hub, you can explore the available positions, learn about the specific requirements for each apprenticeship area, and access the application process. The hub provides a user-friendly interface, allowing you to search and filter apprenticeships based on your interests, location, and desired level of study.

When applying, ensure that you carefully read the job descriptions, highlighting the skills and qualifications required. Craft a compelling application that showcases your passion for the industry, relevant experience, and willingness to learn and grow within the BBC’s dynamic environment. Be prepared for any necessary assessments or interviews as part of the selection process.

Your dream career awaits…

Embarking on an apprenticeship at the BBC opens the doors to a world of exciting opportunities within the media and broadcasting industry.

Whether you aspire to become a journalist, work behind the scenes in production, explore the technical aspects of engineering, or contribute to the business side of media, the BBC offers a comprehensive range of apprenticeships to suit your interests.

For more opportunities inside the world of media, check out our dedicated industry guide.