Production Apprentice Review
at BBC
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Graphic Design
London, UK
Review Submitted: July 2020
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
• Filmed and edited videos driving over 500k views on socials.
• Vision mixed studio cameras for the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. Guests included
Emilia Clarke, Jeff Goldblum, Elisabeth Moss and more.
• Assistant Producer for Liz Kershaw and Tom Robinson; wrote scripts and guest
notes, complied music and scheduled shows, created audio packages and sourced
contributors.
• Directed talent and managed socials live for Jo Whiley’s Rockstars Around The
Christmas Tree on BBC Radio 2.
• Designed a collection of social assets for the Alan & Mel show.
• Vision mixed studio cameras for the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show. Guests included
Emilia Clarke, Jeff Goldblum, Elisabeth Moss and more.
• Assistant Producer for Liz Kershaw and Tom Robinson; wrote scripts and guest
notes, complied music and scheduled shows, created audio packages and sourced
contributors.
• Directed talent and managed socials live for Jo Whiley’s Rockstars Around The
Christmas Tree on BBC Radio 2.
• Designed a collection of social assets for the Alan & Mel show.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I really enjoy my apprenticeship. I’ve met some people that I will be friends with for life. Everyone has been really supportive and encouraged me to work hard and produce my best work.
When I updated my CV in June for the first time since starting I was shocked. Seeing everything I’ve done since starting; it’s a lot! I’ve worked events that Her Majesty the Queen and Prime Minister attended, assistant produced live shows. Met the Mother of Dragons... the list goes on.
When I updated my CV in June for the first time since starting I was shocked. Seeing everything I’ve done since starting; it’s a lot! I’ve worked events that Her Majesty the Queen and Prime Minister attended, assistant produced live shows. Met the Mother of Dragons... the list goes on.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt so much since starting; on the job and at college. I’ve always preferred Final Cut Pro X as an editor; BBC tend to use Avid or Premiere. I am now fluid across all programs and feel confident going between them.
The college train is invaluable, so many different sessions and guest speakers from various parts of the industry. It’s helped me in all areas of my career. From tweaking my CV to learning how to create and pitch show ideas. The team are wonderful, I can’t recommend this scheme highly enough.
The college train is invaluable, so many different sessions and guest speakers from various parts of the industry. It’s helped me in all areas of my career. From tweaking my CV to learning how to create and pitch show ideas. The team are wonderful, I can’t recommend this scheme highly enough.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
It is incredibly well structured and organised.
There was a two week induction when we started, in Birmingham. It had a tight running order and gave us a schedule including work placement and college training for the year ahead.
We found out where we would be placed and had time to get to know each other.
The way that the scheme managers and All Spring have adapted during COVID has been inspiring. They really care about every one of us. I feel lucky to be on the scheme, even more so during this challenging time.
There was a two week induction when we started, in Birmingham. It had a tight running order and gave us a schedule including work placement and college training for the year ahead.
We found out where we would be placed and had time to get to know each other.
The way that the scheme managers and All Spring have adapted during COVID has been inspiring. They really care about every one of us. I feel lucky to be on the scheme, even more so during this challenging time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot.
As I mentioned previously, my scheme managers have been amazing. They answer your calls and emails whatever the weather; always offer brilliant advice.
I also have a weekly meeting with my line manager in London. We talk about my future prospects and opportunities for further experience within my placement.
I’ve never felt like I don’t have the support I need. It can come from multiple places; you’re surrounded by thoughtful talented people who want to see you succeed.
As I mentioned previously, my scheme managers have been amazing. They answer your calls and emails whatever the weather; always offer brilliant advice.
I also have a weekly meeting with my line manager in London. We talk about my future prospects and opportunities for further experience within my placement.
I’ve never felt like I don’t have the support I need. It can come from multiple places; you’re surrounded by thoughtful talented people who want to see you succeed.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
We receive so much support. Numerous emails, sometimes phone calls reminding us to complete work or letting us know about training sessions that are coming up and what to prepare/expect. We also have monthly catch up meetings with our assessors as well.
The whole team have always gone out of their way to help and support us. They are full of experience, opportunity and solid expert advice.
Any time I’ve had an issue or a question, it’s been met with support. Super grateful to everyone on the team.
The whole team have always gone out of their way to help and support us. They are full of experience, opportunity and solid expert advice.
Any time I’ve had an issue or a question, it’s been met with support. Super grateful to everyone on the team.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It keeps me motivated. I know that if I want to succeed in this industry I am going to have to work; if I want to gain this qualification, better myself along the way and improve my skill set, I’m going to have to work!
I put everything into my role and my work. I finish it on time and to the best of my abilities. It’s taught me more than I thought I needed to know and I’m excited for my next working adventure.
I put everything into my role and my work. I finish it on time and to the best of my abilities. It’s taught me more than I thought I needed to know and I’m excited for my next working adventure.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
BBC has loads to offer. There’s photography and film clubs. I joined the BBC club and gym, a great place to go out and network after work.
I haven’t joined any sports teams, I’ve been too busy! But I’m sure there are some.
As well as anything the BBC has to offer I’ve also been steered in the direction of several independent websites that offer networking events and extra opportunities outside of my placement. As I mentioned the support and resources offered are outstanding.
I haven’t joined any sports teams, I’ve been too busy! But I’m sure there are some.
As well as anything the BBC has to offer I’ve also been steered in the direction of several independent websites that offer networking events and extra opportunities outside of my placement. As I mentioned the support and resources offered are outstanding.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It’s been one of the best things I’ve ever done.
The opportunities I have had and taken; well, I can’t imagine anywhere else that could have offered them to me. Oh, and I get paid the whole time, what’s that about?
I was in a tight spot when I applied, I had a skill set but no professional experience so to speak. I needed a way into the industry, gaps filling, I was desperate to learn more. I literally couldn’t have asked for anything more. It’s been an absolute dream. Thank you.
The opportunities I have had and taken; well, I can’t imagine anywhere else that could have offered them to me. Oh, and I get paid the whole time, what’s that about?
I was in a tight spot when I applied, I had a skill set but no professional experience so to speak. I needed a way into the industry, gaps filling, I was desperate to learn more. I literally couldn’t have asked for anything more. It’s been an absolute dream. Thank you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
Be confident, and be yourself. You’ll hear that a lot, it’s true. But be the best version of you, the one that’s got something to prove, the one that wants to work hard and succeed.
If you throw yourself into this job you’ll get so much out of it. I’ve got ten years of experience as a musician and a content creator; what I’ve done in this first ten months could blow all that off the bottom of my CV no problem.
You’ll be well looked after and given all the tools, training and support you need to succeed. If you feel I confident or nervous, that’s ok; I was too. I still am sometimes. This scheme has given me the opportunity to work on the things that make me feel that way. I’m a different person since starting the scheme, ready to move into the next stage of my working life. Confident in my skills and proud of my training.
If you throw yourself into this job you’ll get so much out of it. I’ve got ten years of experience as a musician and a content creator; what I’ve done in this first ten months could blow all that off the bottom of my CV no problem.
You’ll be well looked after and given all the tools, training and support you need to succeed. If you feel I confident or nervous, that’s ok; I was too. I still am sometimes. This scheme has given me the opportunity to work on the things that make me feel that way. I’m a different person since starting the scheme, ready to move into the next stage of my working life. Confident in my skills and proud of my training.
