Early Careers Journalist Apprentice Review
at BBC
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tunbridge Wells, UK
Review Submitted: May 2022
Overall Rating
2.8 /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!
4/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
1.8/5
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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:
4/5
Finding stories going on in South East region which we can use for online content, in a written or video form. I also have partial responsibility for the BBC South East social media pages, which means promoting stories on them and engaging with our audiences where appropriate. Sometimes, I need too help members in other departments too.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy being in the office as it is something I have dreamed about doing for a while now and I am finally getting the chance to do it. I also enjoy getting the chance to go and meet different people in different offices as I can improve my skillset from everyone's advice.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed my writing skills from when I first joined the company as my writing is now more concise and covers the more important details instead of being too vague with what the story is actually about. I have also learned how to edit videos and improved my social media use.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
1/5
In the office, it is excellent. I always know what shift I am doing and where to be. However, I think the college side of things is not great and when we do plan visits as an apprentice group, it is very poor. Usually we find out with only one week's notice which is not ideal for those in our office trying to plan.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
In my office the level of support is fantastic. I have settled in well and everyone in my office is always looking out for me and wants to help me out wherever they can. Plans are being put in place so that I can maximise revision time in the build up to my exams.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
It has improved since we first began. It is hard for the teachers as we are all online and it is harder to work this way in my opinion. they are taking on board our feedback as we aim to find what works the best for everyone as a group before we have more face to face lessons.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
1/5
I feel like I learn more being in my placement as I am being trained up the way my employer wants me to work rather than the general way the NCTJ wants me to. The qualification would be great if I choose to leave the BBC but this is something I am not even contemplating as I have only just started.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
No, not really. The majority of the events are for the whole of the BBC and therefore, they are invite only. In my placement, there are lots of football fans so we all have banter about football and going for a kick around a few times has been discussed but nothing has ever happened.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It has been a very insightful few months since I first joined and I have definitely improved my skillset and it has changed me as a person with the way I think about things, both in and out of work. I have enjoyed my experience so far and cannot wait to see what the future brings.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
Just go for it and be yourself. I never thought I would be in the position I am today and I got here by being myself throughout every stage of the application process. I still pinch myself when I get an article published on the website as it feels surreal.
