Over the next ten years more than 60% of broadcast engineers are expected to retire and the BBC has a trailblazing scheme to fill the gap.
Along with its industry partners, the BBC Academy based in Birmingham has created two free sponsored degree programmes that allow students to get a BEng or MSc – depending on their qualifications – whilst they work in the industry.
“We’re looking for all types of people who are excited by digital changes, broadcasting and coding. The first post-graduate scheme ended this year with all those who completed the scheme now in jobs across the industry, a true sign of success,” BBC Academy Engineering Programme Manager Huw Davies said.
Reaching 308 million people across the world, it’s easy to forget engineers are at the heart of BBC’s worldwide services that make content possible. From traditional broadcast engineers, to research technologists and software innovators many don’t realise the range of engineering jobs available.
Huw Davies says; “The course was created because the industry is unique and requires specific skills to support the UK and worldwide creative industries. With today’s technology changing rapidly a skilled and innovative workforce is vital to advance production technologies and adapt the ways our audiences see and hear us.”
Applications are opening from 9th October across the BBC and competition for the scheme is tough with students expected to have good A levels especially Maths. For the successful applicants, it is an opportunity to get a degree or a masters whilst working with the best of the BBC in Birmingham, London, Salford, Cardiff, Glasgow Leeds and Bristol, as well as other broadcasting providers at ITV, CNN, Channel 4 and their technology partners.
For more information on how to apply visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/techapprentices
Follow the latest news from The BBC Academy on Twitter @BBCTrainees
