The BBC is running an open day at MediaCityUK this Saturday to promote its new technology apprentice scheme.
From September next year, the BBC will be offering school and 6th form college leavers 3 year contracts to work and train as broadcast engineers at the corporation.
“We’re looking for good A-levels or equivalent in subjects like maths, science or engineering, but we do take other relevant experience into account,” explained scheme manager Huw Davies.
“Most of all, we want to meet problem-solvers — people with a passion not only for broadcasting but for taking things apart and understanding how they work.”
The higher level apprenticeship will support successful applicants towards a broadcast engineering degree. All tuition fees are paid for by the BBC and apprentices will also earn a salary.
“The broadcast sector is currently facing a critical technology skills shortage,” added Peter Coles, chief technology officer.
“That’s why we have joined with some of the UK’s biggest broadcasters and media infrastructure companies to develop this ground-breaking higher level apprenticeship, which is also supported by Government co-investment.
“We hope to reinvigorate the technology talent pool by breaking out of the usual entry routes and casting the net as far as possible to enable the widest range of people to apply. We’ll then select the brightest and best to form the next generation of broadcast engineering talent.”
The scheme is funded both by the BBC and the Government’s employer ownership skills pilot. It aims to produce 100 graduate-level apprentices over 8 years. It’s supported by the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, Red Bee Media and Arqiva as well as the Universities of Salford and Birmingham City.
To attend, you need to visit: www.bbc.co.uk/techapprentices and choose from one of the timeslots.
The BBC Technology Apprenticeship is open for applications until 10 November.
