Software Engineering Apprenticeship - Level 6 - Glasgow

Join the BBC as an apprentice to kick-start your career in a job you'll love. You will learn on-the-job, developing your knowledge and skills whilst working towards your apprenticeship qualification.

Why Join This Scheme?

As an apprentice within the Digital Technology and Data department, you will be at the heart of the BBC's digital world, developing and maintaining the systems that audiences rely on daily. Your code will contribute to platforms like iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and BBC Sport.

• Your work will directly delight millions of people weekly.
• You will learn to handle the challenge of running fast, reliable, and available 24/7 digital services.
• You will work with world-class software engineers to evolve the platform.

Why Join the Team?

The Audio Content Metadata (ACM) team is responsible for managing the metadata that powers BBC audio services, including BBC Sounds. The team is modernising its technology, moving away from legacy systems and developing new services using technologies such as TypeScript. They work collaboratively, often through pair programming, and follow agile ways of working.

As an apprentice, you will:

• Work alongside experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience in developing, maintaining, and improving backend services.
• Contribute to modernising existing systems and developing new capabilities.
• Take part in technical discussions and investigations.
• Have opportunities to learn new technologies and develop your software engineering skills.

Your Key Responsibilities and Impact

As a Software Engineer apprentice, you will:

• Gain hands-on experience in the BBC’s software engineering teams responsible for TV, audio, online, and digital platforms.
• Develop your understanding of how the BBC’s existing apps and websites function across analysis, design, code, build, test, implementation, and support.
• Learn to apply software engineering principles to all stages of the solution development life cycle, from gathering requirements to ensuring security.
• Gain an understanding of how to ensure software quality and reliability through rigorous testing.
• Explore troubleshooting concerns, guided by your team.
• Play a part in complex projects from inception to delivery, aligning with the BBC’s Digital First strategy.

You will study for an industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification, learning both on-and-off-the-job. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded an Undergraduate Degree (Bachelor of Science with Honours) in Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (Software Engineer pathway) from a UK University. You will be supported to find a job role within the BBC’s Technology or Product delivery teams.

Your Skills and Eligibility

We are interested in your passion for working at the BBC and your enthusiasm for delivering world-class content. We look for potential and offer the opportunity to apply transferable strengths.

We encourage you to apply if you have:

• A love of maths and a passion for coding.
• Excitement about embracing AI and Machine Learning technologies.
• Brilliant organisational skills and are great at problem-solving and negotiating.
• The ability to manage multiple deadlines and demands with a calm and focused approach.
• A keen interest in the BBC and how people consume content, with fresh ideas.

This scheme is aimed at non-graduates. If you have a degree, please look for other opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an apprenticeship at the BBC, you must:

• Be 18 years old or over by September 2027.
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years.
• Be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK.
• Not be enrolled in another apprenticeship programme.
• Not already hold a qualification in the same subject area at the same or a higher level.

To apply, you must also:

• Have maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Have some experience of coding and/or software engineering (e.g., from A Levels, BTEC, coding boot camp, or personal projects). A basic coding test will be part of the assessment.

Ready to Apply?

Click ‘Apply Now’ to create a candidate profile and answer a few questions. No CV or cover letter is needed. If you're eligible, you’ll be guided through the next steps.

You’ll need to live within a commutable distance of Glasgow. Relocation support may be available for those who meet financial eligibility criteria.

This is a fixed-term apprenticeship for the duration of the scheme. Upon completion, you can apply for suitable vacancies within the BBC or the wider creative industry. You’ll receive support with career development, employability training, and networking opportunities.

Disabled applicants who choose to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and meet the minimum criteria will normally be progressed to the next stage.