Traineeships
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There are a number of training schemes that we already run in departments moving to Salford Quays which are open to people from a range of backgrounds. They’re a great way to get a foot in the door and gain invaluable support and training – providing you with the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue successfully on your chosen career path.
We want all our teams at the BBC to reflect the many backgrounds and life experiences of the people who make up our audiences, so whilst some of our schemes are aimed at everybody, we have some that are targeted at those from specific parts of the community that may be currently under-represented within the media or our organisation.
They key thing for all trainees on our schemes however, is that they have a passion and an interest for working within the media and want to be part of the BBC and believe in our values. So if that’s you and you find a scheme that you’re interested in – we really hope you’ll apply.
All trainees on the schemes below are paid, unless otherwise stated.
We will update the information under each of the schemes, when we have news on application dates, so please do keep checking back.
Media Foundation Placement Scheme (MFPS)
This positive action scheme aims to address issues of cultural diversity and the under-representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals in the media industry. If this is the scheme for you, you can expect to gain valuable on-the-job training and career development within a broadcaster or independent company over 12 months. Placements are available in a wide range of departments across TV, Radio and online. There’ll be the support of a buddy and mentor too, as well as exclusive training opportunities.
This is an annual scheme, run in the North West and Yorkshire by a partnership of the BBC, ITV and independent production companies and is fully supported by local screen agencies and regional development agencies.
BBC Mentor Project
Now in its 12th year, the Mentor Project aims to reflect the views and creative ideas of local people in the North West, who may have felt the BBC wasn’t for them. Over nine months, you’ll gain one-to-one mentoring with a BBC Manchester member of staff. You’ll also attend exclusive training sessions where you’ll learn about different aspects of programme production. Being a mentee doesn’t require full time commitment – the sessions are held for half a day every fortnight, and you can arrange to see your mentor at a time convenient to you both. The Mentor Project is thus ideal if you are interested in the media industry and the BBC, but require flexibility due to other commitments. There is a paid four week full-time placement in production, but this is planned in advance, giving you time to ensure you can take part.
Although the four week placement is paid, you are not paid at any other time on the Mentor Project, but you will gain excellent training, support, guidance and experience for free.
Journalism Trainee Scheme (JTS)
The JTS is a year-long traineeship and is the scheme for you if you’re a budding or existing journalist with high potential but no broadcasting experience. Trainees are placed throughout the UK on a range of placements across TV, Radio and Online in news and current affairs or sport. As well as learning on-the-job, you will have access to journalism and other relevant training and the support of a mentor.
As with all our schemes, for the JTS we’re keen to hear from you if you have a real understanding or direct experience of the diverse communities which make up the UK – for example, ethnic minorities, those who are socially disadvantaged, people with disabilities and generally the wide range of different people and areas we have throughout the country.
Production Trainee Scheme (PTS)
The PTS is the BBC's 18-month scheme to develop the programme makers and commissioners of the future. If you have already demonstrated your interest and passion for working within broadcasting – maybe though work experience, blogging, student media or voluntary work – then you could have the talent and creativity needed for this scheme. As a trainee, you will have four placements in a variety of departments, often across the UK, as well as have access to a range of training and the ongoing support of a senior BBC manager who will act as your mentor.
A number of senior managers at the BBC started off their career with the Production Trainee Scheme, so it’s definitely a launch-pad for success.
Extend
Extend is our specialised work placement scheme for disabled people who have a keen interest in broadcasting. It offers appropriately experienced and/or qualified people a great opportunity to gain six months paid work experience within the BBC. Roles are available across a broad range of departments – giving you invaluable experience. You will also gain support and guidance from your manager and create a work development plan to help ensure you gain the most from the placement. We also have an Access Unit at the BBC that provides support, advice and aims to address any special requirements you may need.
Trainee Technologist Scheme
This is an exceptional opportunity to join our award winning teams. Our Technologists are critical to the future success of the BBC’s vision, creating the most valued open digital media services in the world. Ideally you'll be an academic achiever with a minimum of a 2:1 or equivalent, with a real passion for technology, gained either through your studies or your interests. Over two years you will benefit from a wide range of training as well as learning on the job. You will undertake three project placements in a variety of teams both within Research & Development or in the wider BBC technology areas - each placement lasting approximately eight months. At the end of the scheme, we would hope that you gain successful promotion to Technologist.
