Everything We Know About BBC Apprenticeships for 2027 (Open Now)

The BBC has opened its apprenticeships for September 2027, and the window is short: applications close on 24 November 2026. There are more than 130 adverts across the UK, covering production, journalism, tech, data, engineering and business, and they're all paid from day one with a recognised qualification at the end. The BBC hires around 200 apprentices a year.

For a lot of school leavers, it's a real alternative to university: a salary, hands-on experience at one of the world's best-known broadcasters, and (on the degree routes) a degree without tuition fees. EarlyBird has every BBC advert in one place on the BBC company page, so you can filter by location and level and keep track of the deadline.

BBC Apprenticeships 2027: Key Dates

Don't leave it to the last day. Closing dates can vary between adverts, and the BBC may close a role early if it gets enough applications, so check the date on the advert you're applying for.

Which BBC Apprenticeships Are Open?

There are more than 130 live adverts across 14 programmes, grouped below into the BBC's five areas. You can see every one on the BBC company page, or browse apprenticeships from other employers too.

Production

Content Creator (Level 3): the biggest scheme, with 36 adverts. Most are in BBC local radio across England, plus teams in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, including BBC Introducing and local sport. It's a 15-month scheme where you learn to plan and make video, audio and written content for different platforms, including social media, with study blocks of up to a week at a time. Some roles involve regular evening and weekend work. Example: Content Creator with BBC Radio Leeds Sport.

Production Assistant (Level 3): 28 adverts in London, Salford, Bristol, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow, with teams including BBC Audio, BBC Archive, BBC Cymru Wales Sport and a Gaelic children's team. You could be researching stories and finding guests, helping out on location or in the studio, learning cameras, sound, lighting and editing, and making content for social media. It can lead to roles like junior researcher, runner or edit assistant. Example: Production Assistant with BBC Audio in Bristol.

Junior Production Coordinator (Level 3–4): 15 adverts in London, Salford, Bristol, Cardiff and Glasgow, including BBC Studios teams in Documentaries, Kids & Family and the Natural History Unit. This one is for natural organisers: you'll help set up filming, schedule crews and freelancers, and keep the business side of production running. No media experience needed. It's a route into production management.

Journalism

The BBC has two journalism routes, and which one fits depends on how much journalism you've already done.

Junior Journalist (Level 5): 8 adverts, mostly in local radio (Bristol, Newcastle, Somerset) plus London and Glasgow. It's for beginners and school leavers. You'll research stories, book guests and help with interviews, while working towards the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. You need English GCSE at grade 4/C (or equivalent), and you can't already hold a journalism qualification at the same level or higher.

Journalist (Level 6): 9 adverts in BBC News and regional newsrooms including Leicester, Northampton, Plymouth, Reading and Belfast. It pays £26,000 and is for people who already have some journalism behind them: a degree, the NCTJ Diploma, or experience such as student media, radio, blogging or making social content. It lasts 24 months and leads to the NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism. Example: Journalist apprenticeship at BBC News.

Digital Technology & Data

Software Engineering (Level 6 degree): 4 adverts in London, Salford, Glasgow and Newcastle. You'll study for a Digital and Technology Solutions degree while working on the code behind services like iPlayer, BBC Sounds and Sport. Example: Software Engineering degree apprenticeship in Newcastle. Weighing it up against uni? Read degree apprenticeships vs university.

Data Scientist (Level 6 degree): 4 adverts in London. It's a three-year scheme in the BBC's Media Tech department, leading to a BSc (Hons) in Data Science, studied remotely at least one day a week. You'll learn the full data science process, from cleaning data to building models, and how the BBC uses AI and machine learning to understand its audiences.

Data Analyst (Level 4): 8 adverts in London, Salford and Birmingham, with teams including Audience & Brand and BBC Studios.

Engineering & Operations

Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator (Level 3): 7 adverts in London, Salford, Glasgow, Inverness, Norwich, Southampton and Newcastle. You'll work with journalists and programme makers to keep broadcast kit running, getting experience in areas like camera operation, studio roles, directing, lighting and editing. Training is with the National Film and Television School.

Post Production Technical Operator (Level 4): 4 adverts in London and Bristol, including with the Natural History Unit, supporting newsroom and post-production teams.

Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer (Level 6 degree): 4 adverts in London, Salford, Glasgow and Belfast. You'll learn to design, build and maintain the systems that keep the BBC on air across TV, radio and digital. You'll need A Level Maths or an extended engineering BTEC, and 104 to 112 UCAS points depending on the advert.

Business

Multi-Channel Marketer (Level 3): 3 adverts in London, Salford and Belfast. You'll learn to plan and deliver campaigns across digital, social and traditional channels. The Content Marketing team promotes shows like Strictly, The Traitors and Race Across the World.

Administration Assistant (Level 2): 6 adverts in London, Salford, Birmingham and Bristol. This is the lowest entry level: you'll give admin support to a BBC team and learn how the organisation runs, with at least one day a week for study.

Accounting Finance Manager (Level 6): 1 advert in Cardiff. You'll study for a recognised professional qualification and get experience in areas like project accounting, forecasting and budgeting.

Where Are They Based?

These aren't just London jobs. London has the most (44 adverts), followed by Salford with 24, home to the BBC at MediaCityUK. The nations are well covered too: 9 in Belfast, 8 in Glasgow and 8 in Cardiff, with 6 each in Bristol and Birmingham. The Content Creator scheme in particular is spread across local radio stations all over England.

Each advert says where you'll be based and some ask you to live within commuting distance, so check before you apply. Use the location filter on the BBC company page to see what's near you.

Pay and Benefits

Every BBC apprenticeship pays at least the National Living Wage. Current starting salaries run from £24,650 to £26,000 (the higher figure is the Level 6 Journalist route). If you're based in London or the Channel Islands, you get an extra living allowance: on the London adverts it's £5,441 a year on top of the £24,650.

• The BBC pays all your training costs.
• Care leavers may be able to get a government-funded bursary.
• A limited number of relocation awards are available if the role is more than an hour from home, outside London and the Channel Islands, and you meet the financial criteria.

Contracts are fixed-term for the length of your scheme. Afterwards you can apply for roles at the BBC or across the wider creative industry, and you'll get career development, employability training and networking support towards the end.

How long you'll be there depends on the level:

Who Can Apply?

To apply for any BBC apprenticeship, you must:

• be 18 or over by the time it starts in September 2027
• have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years
• be legally able to work full time in the UK for the whole scheme
• not already be on another apprenticeship

Most Level 2 to 5 schemes are aimed at non-graduates, and the BBC says it's more interested in your potential than your qualifications. Not sure what the levels mean? Read apprenticeship levels explained.

If you're under 19 on 8 September 2027, you'll need Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above, or National 5 at C in Scotland, or Functional Skills Level 2, or an equivalent. If you don't have them yet, you'll need to get Functional Skills Level 2 before the end of your apprenticeship. The degree routes have their own entry requirements, listed on each advert; our degree apprenticeships 2027 guide covers how they work.

How the BBC Application Process Works

You don't need a CV or cover letter. There are usually five stages, though they vary by scheme.

1. Online application form

The form checks you're eligible and asks why you want the apprenticeship. Research the scheme first and make sure the level and the jobs it leads to suit you. Our guide to online application forms can help you structure your answers.

2. Online exercises

An interactive assessment of about 60 to 90 minutes. Depending on the role, it may include strengths-based questions, situational judgement tests or a job-specific task like coding. You get a practice run first. Strengths questions are about what you enjoy and what energises you; this guide explains how they differ from competency questions.

3. Video interview

You record answers to a set of questions, and some may need a written answer instead. You can practise on the platform first and re-record as many times as you like. The BBC is clear it's not an audition, so focus on what you say rather than how you look on camera.

4. Assessment centre

Usually virtual, though some schemes meet in person. Expect a group exercise and an interview, and sometimes a task to prepare beforehand. You'll also meet BBC staff and can ask them questions. Our assessment centres guide covers what to expect.

5. Offer

If you're successful, you'll get an offer. The BBC keeps in touch before you start, and you can meet the other apprentices joining with you.

Tips to Stand Out

These schemes are popular, so here's how to give yourself the best chance.

• Research the team on the advert. A role in the Natural History Unit is very different from one in local radio sport. Watch or listen to their recent output.
• Show you know BBC content. Mention programmes, podcasts or campaigns you follow, and say what you think works and why.
• Apply early. The deadline is 24 November, but roles can close sooner.
• Practise the formats. Try some situational judgement tests and record yourself answering questions so the video interview feels familiar. Look at the camera rather than the screen.
• Wear what you're comfortable in. The BBC says you don't need a suit for interviews or assessment centres: wear whatever you feel confident in.
• In the group exercise, listen. You don't need to be the loudest person there. Build on other people's ideas and help keep the group on track.

Not Ready This Year?

If you miss this window, there are other ways in:

• Get In taster days: hands-on days at BBC bases across the UK to see what the different careers involve.
• Virtual work experience: the BBC's programme with Springpod, which ends with a certificate.
• Build a portfolio: if you're thinking about content or journalism, start a blog, podcast or social account, or get involved with student or community media. It gives you real examples to talk about next year.
• Follow the BBC: @BBCGetIn on Instagram and @LifeAtTheBBC on TikTok post early careers news.

Follow the BBC on EarlyBird and we'll tell you when new roles go live.

FAQ

• How much do BBC apprentices get paid?↓

  How much do BBC apprentices get paid?

  Starting salaries are £24,650 to £26,000, depending on the scheme. If you're based in London or the Channel Islands, you get an extra living allowance on top (£5,441 a year on the London adverts).

• Do I need A levels?↓

  Do I need A levels?

  Not for most Level 2 to 5 schemes, which focus on potential rather than qualifications. If you're under 19 when you start, you'll need GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or an equivalent. Degree apprenticeships have their own requirements; the engineering degree, for example, asks for A Level Maths or an engineering BTEC.

• Can graduates apply?↓

  Can graduates apply?

  Most Level 2 to 5 schemes are aimed at non-graduates. The Level 6 Journalist apprenticeship is designed for people with some journalism experience or qualifications, which can include a degree. Check the eligibility section on each advert.

• Are BBC apprenticeships only in London?↓

  Are BBC apprenticeships only in London?

  No. London has the most roles, but there are lots in Salford, Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham, and in BBC local radio stations across England.

• What support is there for disabled applicants?↓

  What support is there for disabled applicants?

  The BBC is a Disability Confident employer. Disabled applicants who apply under the scheme and meet the minimum criteria will normally go through to the next stage, and you can ask for adjustments through the BBC's early careers contact form. Some adverts are part of BBC Extend, a programme open only to deaf, disabled or neurodivergent applicants.

Ready to Apply?

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