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BBC Production Trainee Scheme - Home

The deadline for applications has now passed. Please visit www.bbc.co.uk/jobs for further opportunities within the BBC.

If you have submitted an application form we are in the process of carrying out a detailed 2 stage shortlisting process on the high volume of applications received.  Candidates will be contacted with the results of this shortlist week commencing 25th May 2009. Assessment centres will be held in Manchester and London in June.

The Production Trainee Scheme develops the programme makers and commissioners of the future. It gives exceptional people
the opportunity to be trained ‘on the job’ at the BBC.

We aim to recruit "the brightest and the best"– those with real talent and creativity.  We will offer 12 trainees a mixture of face to face training, online learning and work placements, as well as mentoring by a senior BBC manager.

We want trainees to be able to tell a great story and have the skills they need to turn creative ideas into reality

Who are we looking for?

You will be inspired by original content and have the creativity, drive and dedication to succeed.  You will be flexible and keen to take on new challenges and enjoy being part of different teams.  You have talent, potential and passion to achieve great things.

You’ll already be a creative thinker. Maybe you've demonstrated this through student magazines, community or hospital radio, blogging, or work experience at a local newspaper.

You'll need to be able to write quickly and accurately and have an eye for a striking image and an ear for a good story.

We’re also keen to hear from people with a real understanding – or direct experience – of the issues facing the diverse communities which make up the UK. We want our programme makers to reflect the many backgrounds and life experiences of the people who make up our audience.

When does it start?

The Production Trainee Scheme starts in September 2009. 

Where will I be based?

Training and work placements will be based all over the country, so you will move around quite a bit.  You will undertake placements in TV, radio and online.

Can I choose which areas I want do my work placements in?

No.  We expect all trainees to work in different areas. That way, you will gain the widest amount of experience and will have a greater chance of securing a contract at the end of the scheme.      

What support will I get on the Scheme?

You will have a mentor who will be a senior BBC manager, plus you will be supported by the manager of the scheme.

How will I know how I am doing?

There will be a structured evaluation process for the length of the scheme – you will be given feedback on your performance and you will be asked to give your own feedback too.   

What hours will I work?

Working in production is not a 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job. The hours can be long when you’re working to tight production deadlines, but they can also be very rewarding.

What will I be doing? 

Have a look at the job description on this site to give you a bit more information about what is likely to be involved. 

How much holiday will I get?

You will be entitled to five weeks holiday each year plus UK bank holidays (or time in lieu if you are scheduled to work), and an extra day at Christmas specified by the BBC.

Will I be paid while I’m training?  

Yes.  £19,000 per annum plus London weighting and expenses incurred in line with standard BBC expenses policy.  

Will I get a job at the end of the scheme?

You will be able to compete for jobs at the end of the scheme.  The nature of the broadcast industry nowadays is that people often work on 3, 6 or 12-month contracts, so it is likely you will be competing for one of those. 


The BBC is creating a new digital broadcast centre in the North of England as part of the MediaCityUK development at Salford Quays in Greater Manchester. Five London-based departments will be moving - Sport, 5 Live, Children's, Future Media and Technology (FM&T) and Formal Learning - and will join current Manchester-based departments at the new site in 2011. This move will create a range of opportunities for those that wish to pursue a career at the BBC.

"This is the first big broadcasting venture of a new decade and can define the way the BBC works for a generation." Peter Salmon, Director, BBC North.

Is there a long-term career for me at the BBC?

We hope so!  Many of our senior managers started their careers on BBC trainee schemes – including the current Director General, Mark Thompson.

Our ambition is that you'll gain the skills, experience and confidence to be able to compete for jobs within the BBC.

And here’s a film made by our current Trainees

Play Video:

                 
Real Media: Narrowband                             Real Media: Broadband

                 
Windows Media: Narrowband                    Windows Media: Broadband


Read on for further information and how to apply