Key Takeaways
- Undertake a Level 3 Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Apprenticeship over 25 months.
- Gain hands-on experience in live and recorded broadcasting, including camera operations, directing, and editing.
- Study with the National Film and Television School to develop a wide range of technical skills.
- Salary of £24,650 per year.
- This role is specifically for individuals who identify as deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent.
About the Role
This is a fixed-term, full-time apprenticeship lasting 25 months, based at Media City Studios in Salford.
About the BBC Extend Programme
This role is specifically advertised as part of the BBC Extend programme, designed for disabled individuals. To be eligible, you must identify as deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent and meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act (2010) or the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) if applying in Northern Ireland. This includes impairments that have a substantial and long-term negative effect on daily activities, encompassing both apparent and non-apparent conditions.
The BBC is committed to accessibility throughout the application process and provides workplace adjustments via its dedicated Access and Disability Service. If you require adjustments or have questions, please contact the Early Careers Recruitment team.
About the Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship offers a chance to kick-start your career in broadcast and media systems. You will learn on-the-job, developing skills while working towards a formal qualification with a learning provider.
Why Join?
Work alongside journalists and programme makers as a Technical Operator, ensuring the smooth running of broadcast equipment and technology. This entry-level role involves technical operating in sound and/or vision across various BBC departments including newsroom ingest hubs, galleries, studios, post-production areas, and on location.
Your Key Responsibilities and Impact
As a Broadcast Technical Operator apprentice, you will:
- Gain practical experience in live and recorded broadcasting, including camera operations, studio technical roles, directing, lighting, editing, and graphic design for regional and national BBC programmes.
- Contribute to high-quality content delivery using advanced broadcast technologies like satellite trucks and IP systems.
- Develop a strong understanding of how technical production, editorial decisions, and audience engagement shape content across TV, digital, and online platforms.
You will study for an industry-recognised qualification with the National Film and Television School, covering skills in:
- Camera Operations
- Floor Management
- TV Vision Mixing
- Sound Operations
- Technical Directing
- Shoot and Edit Multi-Skilled Operator
- Picture and Audio Editing
- Ingest and Library functions.
Travel to in-person learning blocks and other apprenticeship activities will be required.
Your Skills and Eligibility
We are looking for passion and enthusiasm for delivering world-class content and operational excellence. Qualifications are not the primary focus; we seek potential and transferable strengths.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Passion for media content and its technical production.
- Ability to work calmly under pressure.
- Fascination with how things work.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Enthusiasm, flexibility, and adaptability.
This scheme is for non-graduates. If you hold a degree, please explore other BBC opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an apprenticeship at the BBC, you must:
- Be 18 years or older by September 2027.
- Have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years.
- Be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK for the entire apprenticeship duration.
- Not be currently enrolled in another apprenticeship.
- Not already hold a qualification in the same subject area at Level 3 or above.
To apply, you must also:
- Not have completed or hold qualifications in the apprenticeship subject at Level 3 or above.
- Not have completed or hold an extended BTEC or degree in media, television, film, audio, or radio production.
- Have little or no work experience in the subject area.
- For candidates under 19 on 7 September 2027: Achieve Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C or equivalent by the start of the apprenticeship, or be working towards Functional Skills Level 2.
How to Apply
Click ‘Apply Now’ to create a candidate profile and answer a few questions. No CV or cover letter is required.
Relocation support may be available for those who meet financial eligibility criteria.
Upon completion, you will be supported with career development, employability training, and networking opportunities.
Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will normally be progressed to the next stage.