Business Administration Apprentice

Meet Eliza, Business Administration Apprentice at the BBC

“Hey I’m Eliza, before joining the BBC I didn't have any media industry experience or a degree. After completing my A-Levels I worked as a barista. I had applied the year before I got my apprenticeship but was unsuccessful, I applied again the next year and here I am now, a Business Administration Apprentice in the Indie Payments team for TV content at the BBC!”

What made you choose a BBC apprenticeship?

“I first fell in love with the BBC while studying the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James as part of my Media Studies A Level. Learning more about the organisation and its values made it my ideal place to work. An apprenticeship felt like the perfect way to start my career and gain experience while learning on the job.”

What does a typical day in your role look like?

“One of the best things about my apprenticeship is the variety. I always say that no two days are the same. Because I work across a range of teams, one day I could be reading agreements and speaking with production companies, while the next I could be supporting Children's TV scheduling. I've also had opportunities to support productions, both on set and during pre-production, including work connected to the BBC Comedy Festival and RuPaul's Drag Race UK Series 8.”

What skills have you developed since joining?

“Whilst I've developed plenty of role-specific skills, such as working with software and production companies, the biggest change has been my confidence. Before starting my apprenticeship, I didn't have much self-belief. After a year at the BBC, I'm far more confident in my knowledge and decision-making. Working on live productions has also helped me develop initiative and think creatively when unexpected challenges arise.”

What's something you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?

“The achievement I'm most proud of is working as a Production Co-ordinator on the BBC Comedy Festival 2026. It was my first experience of both pre and post-production, and it made me realise just how much I enjoy that area of the industry.

I spent three months working on the event before supporting it live for a week. Seeing months of hard work come together was incredibly rewarding, and receiving positive feedback from senior colleagues made the experience even more memorable.”

What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying or feeling nervous about taking that first step?

“Always take the leap. I was rejected the first time I applied to the BBC, but I found the confidence to apply again, and it completely changed my career journey. Feeling nervous is completely normal. In fact, I realised that being nervous usually means the opportunity matters to you. Embrace it. Most importantly, don't underestimate the value of your personality, passion and potential.”