Sarah Langford
Schemes Portfolio Manager, Tech and Corporate Schemes for Early Careers & Staff Apprenticeships, BBC Academy
The public broadcasting sector is looking to recruit a more diverse workforce, recognising raw talent in every community.
We, at the BBC, are using apprenticeships to help us change our organisation. We want to bring a new generation into the BBC, from school-leavers to careers-changers, to increase the number of women in technology and provide new opportunities to people with disabilities and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, by offering a broad range of non-degree and degree apprenticeships in technology, data and digital.
Inclusive broadcast technology apprenticeships
We are invested in the most diverse talent to fully represent the audience we serve. We welcome people of all backgrounds — from school-leavers to career-changers – because people at any age and stage in their lives should be given a chance to grow.
We are particularly keen to attract a bigger female audience to apply for our STEM apprenticeships, so they can embark on careers in engineering, digital and data. We’re reshaping our workforce just as we’re reshaping our content for a digitally driven future.
You will get a salary and work towards a
recognised qualification that will open
the door to careers across the company.
Apprenticeships from systems engineer to data security
We offer a wealth of apprenticeship opportunities including software engineering, broadcast technology and data science to help us transition into a more data-driven organisation.
For instance, our data science degree apprenticeship (level 6) harnesses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide personalised recommendations for our audiences. If you have an interest in coding, this fully funded, three-year degree apprenticeship can earn you a BSc (Hons) and a permanent role as a data scientist.
Gaining experience in technology operations
A former apprentice — Zoë Dunn, Operations Engineer, 24/7 Operations (Technology Group) — shares her experience on the programme.
“Not only has it provided exciting opportunities, such as working on the Commonwealth Games, BBC Breakfast and gaining insight into what happens behind the scenes, but I have met and been supported by some of the kindest and most genuine people…
“Being an apprentice also gave me opportunities to have fun… generally improving mental health with less stress and being able to focus on work.”
Chloe Gilmore, Level 6 Data Scientist apprentice shares: “I have been able to learn many different skills (both technical and non-technical) during my work placements, which has fed directly into my success with my studies … I am now at the end of my degree apprenticeship, and I can confidently say that I feel ready to join the tech industry after graduation.”
Apprenticeships offer an alternative to university as you earn while you learn. You will get a salary and work towards a recognised qualification that will open the door to careers across the company. Most importantly, your academic fees will be covered while you are in full-time employment with us via the apprenticeship route. No matter who you are, we look forward to helping you succeed in your chosen STEM pathway.
To find an opportunity, visit bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/design-and-engineering/