Broadcast engineer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolevolunteeringan in-house training scheme
University
You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme with a broadcaster. Useful subjects include:
- broadcast engineering
- broadcast technology
- electronics
- physics
- computer science
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You may be able to get into broadcast engineering after doing a T level for Radio Network Technicians at college. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Apprenticeship
You can get started by doing a broadcast and media systems technical operator Level 3 apprenticeship or a broadcast and media systems engineer degree apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science for a Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll need 2 or more A-Levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
Work
You could start work with a broadcaster as a production assistant and later apply for a place on an in-house engineer training scheme.
You could also begin as a broadcast technician, for example after an apprenticeship, then do further training on the job to become an engineer.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get practical experience using broadcast technology equipment, as competition for places on training schemes is strong. You could get this through:
student film and TV productions, community or hospital radio, or a placement with a broadcaster.
Other Routes
You can start on an in-house engineering training scheme like the BBC's degree apprenticeship.
Professional and industry bodies
You can apply for professional registration with the Engineering Council for Information and Communications Technology Technician or Chartered Engineer status. Registration can improve your career prospects.
Broadcast engineer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- the ability to work well with others
- broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of maths
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Broadcast engineer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- set up studio equipment for transmission and editing
- design and set up audio and video circuits
- install multimedia hardware, software and digital broadcast technology systems
- set up and operate links between studios and outside broadcast (OB) units
- edit programmes live as they’re being transmitted or recorded
- test and service equipment
- find and repair technical faults
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression - Broadcast engineer apprenticeships
With experience, you could move into management.
You could also work freelance.