There are many different schemes within the BBC but all require you to be 18 or older to join. The schemes fall into categories; Journalism, BBC Digital & Engineering, Production, Business Support, Partner Schemes and Extend.
The applications for the schemes open in December/January time and depending on the type you are applying for the actual schemes last between 11 and 22 months.
Journalism Trainee Scheme – this is a year of training and work experience and is highly competitive, attracting applicants with some experience or those who wish to switch careers. You will be mentored through the 11 month scheme from a senior BBC journalist and have the opportunity to arrange a work placement of your own with the BBC. This scheme is not for complete beginners and evidence of journalism experience is required. The applicant must have a high interest and knowledge of the news, as well as a good grasp of the role of social media in journalism. There are no academic requirements for this scheme, they are looking for talent and determination.
If you are successful you will be shortlisted for an assessment and interview – you must be flexible about location and working hours. This is not a 9-5 job and you could be based at any of the national news centres across the UK (including London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and Salford).
Engineering Trainee Scheme – this scheme offers a wealth of job prospects in broadcasting after completion, including broadcast engineer project manager, editing support specialist, productions systems engineer and newsgathering technologist to name but a few. The scheme is 22 months and is a paid sponsored MSc degree in Broadcast Engineering, taught and accredited by a UK University. You must have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject (at least a 2:1 or equivalent) i.e. Computer Science, Electronics, Physics etc. within the last 5 years. There is no age restriction as long as this requirement is met. You will work across a variety of placements within the BBC including BBC studios and post production, national distribution and world service distribution. You will be based at one of the main broadcast centres around the county, including locations such as Salford and London. The MSc will include tailored courses in web technologies, media distribution architectures, production and workflow and media technology and formats.
UX Design Trainee Scheme – you will rotate across a range of products within this one year placement from IPlayer to CBeebies, working on real projects with senior members of UX, getting involved in user research, information architecture, content analysis, interaction design and much more. You must have a good degree in design as well as a portfolio to show and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite products as well as an obvious interest in design. You will be based at either London or Salford.
Trainee Research Scientists Scheme – for those who have an interest in human media interaction and technology design. It is based in either Manchester or London and you will participate in a BBC-wide induction programme where you will help shape the design and specification of new technology in areas such as broadcast production to technology within the domestic environment. You must have a good degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in a related subject, such as Human Computer Interaction, Behavioural Psychology, Cognitive Science and Interaction Design to name a few. You must be highly analytical and a passion for user centred design.
Trainee Research Technologists Scheme – this scheme, based in Manchester and London, gives the trainee three placements in different R&D teams each lasting about 8 months over the course of 2 years. This will include a variety of projects with research work focussing on new technologies that are expected to roll out over the next 5 years. You will receive an on-the-job supervised training. Ideally you will need a minimum 2:1 degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science along with an A Level in Mathematics. Or you must have strong work experience.
Production Trainee Scheme – you must be creative for this scheme, have a passion about television, radio and online and have strong programme ideas. Relevant work experience in a creative environment is desirable but you can’t apply if you have had continuous paid work in the media industry for over 12 months. There are, however, no academic restrictions for this scheme. The scheme runs for 11 months and during this time you will be trained for a career in media with 3 different work placements across the UK in Radio and Television.
Legal Trainee Scheme – this competitive scheme gives LPC graduates the opportunity to work as part of the BBC’s extended legal team for a 2 year training programme. It leads to qualification with the SRA as a solicitor and involves 3 6-month rotations in IP, BBC Worldwide, Rights and Business Affairs plus one seat in a private practice. Applicants must have completed their LPC or be ready to pass before the start of the scheme.
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