BBC Apprenticeship ~ Step One Application

Do you want to make content for the world’s best media companies? Then let’s do this!!

This application is to work in radio, TV or digital content in a variety of areas in the BBC, including Natural History, Children’s or Events. I applied in 2018 and participated in the 2018-2019 Production Apprenticeship.

* EVERYTHING I HAVE WRITTEN IS MY ADVICE, DO NOT COPY WHAT I HAVE SAID AS PERSONALITY IS KEY. THIS IS NOT IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BBC *

THE BASICS (This parts, super easy trust me!)

Firstly, you’ll need to create a BBC Account. Just fill out a few personal details about yourself, don’t stress all your personal details are confidential with the BBC. You will then need to enter all your educational history. To be eligible for the Production Apprenticeship you must not have studied film or TV at university. If you have, don’t worry; take a look at the Trainee scheme instead.

YOU’RE WORK EXPERIENCE

Next, insert all your work experience. They aren’t looking for individuals with years of experience; if you have worked in a café or shop don’t feel embarrassed to say so. You have gained lots of transferable skills, such as great communication and quick thinking. Remember, you can insert any relevant volunteer work. Have you volunteered your time to make a film for your school, say so! Perhaps, you’ve helped organise an event for a local organisation?

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Everyone on the scheme will have a different experience, for example my friend has worked in an editing suite which is very different to my experience working in a factual television show. Be honest in this section, you will excel the most in an area that interests you.

There are three different roles up for grabs:

· Production Management – Do you enjoy organising parties or holidays? The PM team organises the show by setting up filming/edits and hiring crews. With these skills you can progress onto a Production Management Assistant.

· Editorial – Do you enjoy coming up with stories? You could progress to a runner or junior researcher after the scheme.

· Craft – Are you always carrying a camera or taking photographs on your mobile phone, this role could be for you? You will learn how to operate technical equipment, get thinking boom poles, edit equipment and broadcasting cameras. You could progress to an edit assistant or digital camera journalist.

If you are particularly interested in a production area here is the time to say so. You could work in Children’s, Drama, Radio, News, Comedy, Events, Entertainment or Factual.

QUESTION TIME

In 2018, they asked four critical questions to prove to them why we deserved a place on this scheme.

Personally, I believe the question where you can stand out the most is when you are giving your opinion about a BBC program. It’s slightly strange being critical on the company you’re applying to work for right? But they are looking for individuals with ideas to make the BBC better and improve it, so BE HONEST. The BBC Get in Page has suggested that the program should be related to the area you want to work in, so if you have a keen interest in radio mention your favourite podcast or radio show.

The last part of the application will be questions based on a work scenario. Think logically about these questions and choose the option which best fits what you would do in this situation.

SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION

You will keep re-checking your application, ensuring every little word is correct; before you finally build up the courage to press submit. That’s normal, for most of us, this is an experience you spend years dreaming of. Remember, to take your time as long as you upload it before the deadline you do NOT need to rush! It won’t affect your chances of getting a video interview!

That’s the first stage done. Well done, I’m so proud of you! I was in your place in 2018 and I’m excited to see where you go from here.

Keep checking your emails, thousands apply for this scheme so it can take a few weeks to hear anything back. Check out my “Step Two: Video Interview” post to get some tips for the new round – how exciting!