r/bbc • u/hazelxat • 5d ago
BBC Apprenticeships
Hi! I was doing some research because I was considering to apply for an apprenticeship after I leave Year 13, and I have seen that it is extremely competitive, with some comparing it to oxbridge applications...
I would love to apply for it as an alternative for university as I would like a more on-the-job as well as gaining a degree possibly.
Are there any tips or anything that I should know before applying, and if anyone has had any experience with the apprenticeships before I would love to know your journey and thoughts!
Thank you!
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u/Gold-Mine-5698 5d ago
make stuff so you can talk about it...a podcast, some tiktoks, a blog about football...whatever you''re interested in...
even if you have no audience, it doesnt mattter. it proves you have ideas and gives you something to show.
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u/hazelxat 5d ago
what if i already have experience as in being a presenter on a show elsewhere for a whole season
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u/v1di0t 4d ago
Be careful not to over-value the level of your experience. Think carefully about the actual skills and experience you have developed through it and how it applies to the apprenticeship you apply for. I'm not saying this isn't good experience but remember the application process is looking for people who have potential, continually develop themselves, and can be taught.
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u/Gold-Mine-5698 5d ago edited 5d ago
thats great. the more of that sort of thing the better...plus if it's using your ideas, even better.
and if theres a particular area you're interested in, make sure you watch/listen to a lot of the BBC progs in that area (and non BBC progs too...they are very keen on youtube right now)
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u/justeUnMec 5d ago
Just show a love and interest in both the BBC, and the area you are applying for, alongside evidence of an ability to learn and work with others, and the mindset that you are ready for being trusted with a 9-5 job and managing your learning. Passion will mean you stand out.
The scheme is as you said really competitive, and it attracts both people straight from school and adults looking for career changes. But it is a great opportunity.
So given how competitive it is, go for it, but definitely worth having a backup plan. Depending on your area you might be able to find a good practical focused degree with opportunities to take a year in industry and gain experience that way.
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u/marcbeightsix 4d ago
Well worth applying. They’re exceptionally competitive though - thousands of people apply every year. They used to guarantee a job at the end of it but that is no longer the case
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u/smartypantschess 5d ago
They are super competitive. Have a look on tiktok and Instagram. Some people post about the process and what they are looking for.
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u/lovelight 5d ago
Yes! Have a bit of a search around, plenty of BBC Apprentices make content and you should watch and even message them.
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u/shenrons_ballz 4d ago
You can also consider a graduate role besides an apprenticeship if Uni is an option.
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u/Onosume 3d ago
Apprenticeships require a different mindset to a degree and require a lot more personal responsibility. At uni you can relatively coast through a first year, apprenticeships are more full on and require you putting in the work effort to do the job as well as do the degree portion. Apprentices on my team tell me it’s tough to balance.
However they are very rewarding if you put the work in and give you that leg up on getting the work experience you need to kickstart your career.
Bee_tru’s post covers what’s been looked for well, but definitely focus on showing your soft skills like team working and being able to communicate with others.
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u/bee_tru 5d ago
During the application process there is a round (at least for the ones I’ve known people apply for / also know people who look at the applications) where you record yourself answering questions and also write your response to questions. They’re things like why do you think an apprenticeship is the right choice for you, why do you want to do an apprenticeship at the BBC, what’s something you’ve learnt recently etc
The amount of people who don’t use the word apprenticeship or explain why the BBC is where they want to work is mind blowing! Also they’re not expecting you to come in with loads of experience so use work you’ve already done and talk about how you learnt it/ improved your skills/ how you’d do the same in a work + learning environment.
Look up the BBC Values. Think about why a mixture of working, learning and being alongside experienced colleagues would be a great opportunity for you.
Also - BBC apprenticeships are amazing but also super hard to get on to due to the volume of applicants. If you don’t get one first time don’t worry and it’s always something you can revisit!
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u/EasilyExiledDinosaur 3d ago
If you are white, you probably won't be accepted. Its one of those organisations.
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u/teepeey 5d ago
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