Advanced journalist apprentice Review
at BBC
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Journalism and Publishing
London
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4/5
-
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
My role can involve working with correspondents, writing scripts, editing audio, and producing. I work in a busy team -- all who are lovely. You sit in meetings, discuss stories. Many editors really try to develop your skills and listen to you and they are brilliant. You really get stuck in which is what matters.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I enjoy many aspects, sometimes as an apprentice you can feel ignored though. It's very dependent on which team and desk you're on. I think this is something that needs to be tackled so your time here is spent effectively. Having no guaranteed job at the end of it is something that's given every apprentice anxiety, when in reality investing so much into young people should mean you really should. The pay is tricky for London, I will admit. But for being in this place it's worth it. You get a buzz coming in everyday, there's genuinely no place i'd rather work. I'd just love the opportunity to stay even longer. There just doesn't seem to be many jobs going, on top of that, apprentices before you are still freelancing waiting for a permanent contract. I'm not from London so I don't have the luxury to live nearby to wait it out. I think there's so much creativity here and I really adore being here. It is like no other job so It's changed my life for me.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
100%. You learn so many. Even within the last 6 months I feel much more confident. I can now edit audio, write cues, scripts, work in high pressure environments, and tailor content to audiences.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
I really wish we were more involved in placements and choice of rotations. I think being able to pursue your passions is really important. It is very difficult to get into industry, and spending 6 months somewhere -- means you'd like it to be in a team you have interest in. I've enjoyed my placements so far, I'd just love a little more choice on them. Or if you could rank them like a numbers system so they'd be able to place you better. I am fortunate to enjoy my placements, I do know however apprentices who don't as much. Placements change really last minute and don't feel tailored. Communication when you start can be tricky because the emails are long and it can be hard to find the information you need immediately.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I cannot fault my line manager, he is fantastic and I can sing his praises all day. He genuinely cares and that's what you want in a manager.
The apprenticeship side: we do check ins but I feel they aren't personal enough, I wish they'd dive into career goals more and really help you get where you want to be. I feel like helping you secure permanent employment should be a good priority.
The apprenticeship side: we do check ins but I feel they aren't personal enough, I wish they'd dive into career goals more and really help you get where you want to be. I feel like helping you secure permanent employment should be a good priority.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Bauer have been a roller coaster. I think media law wise Bauer has been exceptional and provided fun and engaging learning.
The other modules feel out of place and don't provide a good sense of development.
The other modules feel out of place and don't provide a good sense of development.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Media law is invaluable, the other modules have not been as good sadly. I also wish we had more BBC academy training as this is excellent and also fun! Being in person is much better than online, I find the online sessions are not as beneficial.
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
Not really. But there are loads, this is just because I am busy.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BBC to a friend?
Yes
Why?
A really creative, and fun place to be. Yes it can be intense and high pressure depending on placement. But genuinely the best place in my opinion.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BBC?
Be yourself, not some version you think they want. There's no one size fits all here, you'll find your place for who you are. Even if you don't get in, don't give up on your dreams because you will get there and be ok.
