Journalist Apprentice Review
at BBC
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Journalism and Publishing
Bristol
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.4 /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!
2.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.2/5
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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
No day is the same, however I write articles, help produce programmes, occasionally appear on those programmes and look after guests.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
1/5
Not as much as I used to because I am with online more so I don't really enjoy it. I prefer shifts that are more dynamic and it is becoming quite repetitive
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have definitely developed in confidence by essentially being forced to approach people online, on the phone and in person.
I have also been able to get better at working under pressure.
My writing has improved greatly, as well as my editing skills.
I have also been able to get better at working under pressure.
My writing has improved greatly, as well as my editing skills.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
On the side of the BBC it has been great with a variation of training. With PA there were definitely great teachers but in many instances it has been disorganised, in terms of warning us about upcoming assessments or files that we needed to complete.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Lots of support from my amazing line manager. She cares a lot about my well being and really fights my corner for the things I need in terms of occupational health adjustments. For training, there could be more refreshers but it was good overall.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
This varied a lot for me depending on the specific trainer. For some of my modules I had impeccable support when I asked questions and received thorough, detailed answers. However for other modules it was laughable how bad it was, I would simply be ignored.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
I wouldn't be able to do it without my training provider. Overall, they are the ones that give you the skills which you in turn apply at work. I think it helps me perform way better than if I didn't have it as I wouldn't understand a lot of the things that are going on.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are fun social events to go to and I also joined a sports team with someone from the BBC. The Christmas parties are really good.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because if this is something that is your passion you get given an environment that you can experiment in and learn what you like about the job, while learning many skills that can transfer into your everyday life.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
Not what you want to hear but just be yourself. They are going to like YOU not you pretending to be Albert Einstein. You are the thing that is different, so if you go in with a mask on your face, it'll feel fake firstly, but you also won't enjoy the process. And, never say never, if I can do this, you certainly can.
