L6 Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Apprentice Review

As a Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Apprentice, I split my time between studying for a degree in University and on placement in my home base. It works on a 3 month rotational basis (2 Uni placements and 2 work placements per year) and is designed in a way where I only need to focus on one at a time, which is really helpful when there are exams.
At University, I am studying for a Broadcast and Communications Engineering Degree (Hons) which I am currently really enjoying and find it to be very well in line with the work I do when on Placement. A big bonus is that I come out with no student debt!
On work placement I work at my home BBC base on a 9-5 basis and am based on the broadcast support desk. My work days are incredibly varied. Some days I spend shadowing other engineers on broadcast critical calls (when something goes wrong with broadcast technology with limited time to spare), working on solo projects like investigating a fault with a machine or even sitting in an OB (outside broadcast) truck during the six nations. Sometimes there are quiet moments at my desk where I usually spend time preparing for the upcoming Uni semester or asking other engineers questions.

I think the programme is designed incredibly well and offers a perfect balance of work/study for optimal learning while avoiding burnout.

I have several points of contact for support. I have regular meetings with my line manager during and not during my placement to check my progression and if I have any questions. I also have regular meetings with my cohort and 'scheme specialist' who is always available if we need support. I also have a mentor in work who I spend lots of time with and ask many questions about broadcasting engineering.

The degree I am doing as a part of my scheme is with Birmingham City University. Everyone who does this apprenticeship will also go through BCU regardless of where they are based and travel to and from Birmingham for Uni and are put up in accommodation during lecture weeks (Uni placement is 1 on 1 off). I think the degree itself has been very well designed and is specific to broadcast industry.
I think the only slight weakness in this apprenticeship comes from the University. Most modules are delivered well and there is support available within the Uni. Although, I think the teaching standards in some cases slip. This is quite a harsh interpretation as the actual degree is not only good but also free, but I think there are areas where the learning provider (BCU) could improve.

The content we learn in University transfers very well to the work placement and is a great way to put theory into practice. I think the computer networking modules are especially useful and apply very well to our placements.

Yes

BBC are a fantastic employer and offer world class opportunities.