Frequently asked questions

We offer a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities across the BBC, with programmes designed for people at different stages of their career journey.

If you’re finishing school or college and looking to kick-start your career, looking for a career change, or returning to the world of work after a break, our Level 2-5 apprenticeships provide a great way to build skills and gain experience. Opportunities are available in areas such as technical operations, HR, marketing, business, journalism and production.

Our Level 6 degree apprenticeships allow you to gain a degree qualification while working at the BBC. These opportunities are available in areas including broadcast engineering, software engineering, data, business and management.

For those looking to build on existing qualifications or experience, our Level 6-7 apprenticeships offer the chance to further develop specialist skills and gain professional qualifications in areas such as law, journalism and production management.

The length of our apprenticeship schemes varies depending on the apprenticeship. As a guide:

• Our Level 2-5 apprenticeships typically last between 12 months and two years.
• Our Level 6 degree apprenticeships usually take between three and four years to complete.
• Our Level 6-7 apprenticeships typically last between 18 months and two years, depending on the scheme.

Yes. On successful completion of your apprenticeship, you'll receive the recognised qualification associated with your scheme.

The qualification you receive will depend on the apprenticeship level and scheme. For example, some of our Level 6 degree apprenticeships lead to a bachelor's degree, while other programmes may result in professional qualifications relevant to your chosen career.

Yes. All of our apprenticeships are paid, and you'll earn at least the National Living Wage throughout your apprenticeship.

Salaries vary depending on the scheme, with current starting salaries ranging from £24,650 to £33,000+. If your main work base is in London or the Channel Islands, you'll also receive an additional living allowance.

The BBC covers all apprenticeship-related training costs, and we offer a range of financial support initiatives. Care leavers may also be eligible to apply for a government-funded bursary.

BBC apprentices are employed on fixed-term contracts for the duration of their apprenticeship.

As you approach the end of your apprenticeship, we'll support you in taking the next step in your career. The BBC is committed to investing in new talent, and you'll have access to employability support, networking opportunities and career development resources to help you with your next steps.

For some apprentices, that next step may be a role at the BBC, while others may go on to build successful careers across the wider media industry.

As an apprentice, you'll combine hands-on experience in your role with dedicated time for learning and development. This includes both on-the-job learning, gained through your day-to-day work, and off-the-job training, delivered by an external learning provider.

You'll be given dedicated time during your working hours to complete your apprenticeship training and studies.

The way training is delivered varies depending on the apprenticeship. Learning may take place online, in person, or through a combination of both. Some apprenticeships include a dedicated study day each week, while others are delivered in block study periods.

For more information about how training is delivered for a specific apprenticeship, please refer to the job description and apprenticeship standard for that scheme.

Our Get In Taster Days are a great way to learn more about life at the BBC and explore the opportunities we have on offer. You can find out more and register your interest through the Get In Taster Experience section of this website.

We’ve also teamed up with Springpod to offer a BBC Virtual Work Insight Programme where you can see and hear about the different career options at the BBC. You can complete our The BBC and Me virtual work experience programme here.

You can also follow @BBCGetIn on Instagram and @LifeAtTheBBC on TikTok for an insight into our apprenticeships, early careers opportunities and what it's like to work at the BBC.

Throughout the year, we also run webinars where you can learn more about our apprenticeships, hear from current apprentices and ask questions about the opportunities available.

The main difference between our journalism apprenticeships is the level of experience and qualifications required before you join.

Our Journalist Apprenticeship (Level 6) is designed for emerging journalists who can demonstrate storytelling and journalistic skills in a variety of ways. This might include writing articles for a local or student newspaper or website, working at a radio station with news content, blogging, vlogging, or creating social media content. If you already hold a degree or the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, or have some experience working in journalism and want to further develop your journalistic skills while gaining professional recognition, this could be the right pathway for you.

Alternatively, the Junior Journalist Apprenticeship (Level 5) is aimed at those who are at the beginning of their journalism journey and have a passion for storytelling and current affairs. You might be a school leaver or about to finish school and looking for your first step into the industry. You’ll gain hands-on experience while working towards both the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and a Level 5 apprenticeship qualification, helping you build the skills and knowledge needed for a career in journalism.

All applications for roles at the BBC, including our apprenticeship schemes, must be submitted through our BBC Careers search: www.bbc.co.uk/careers.

To apply, you’ll need to complete and submit the online application form for the role you're interested in. We are unable to accept applications or CVs/ cover letters that are not submitted through our careers site.

We typically open applications for our apprenticeship schemes in two phases each year, usually in October and December.

All opportunities are advertised on the BBC Careers website, where you'll be able to find full details about each apprenticeship, including the role, location, entry requirements and start date.

We recommend keeping an eye on the BBC Careers website and our social media channels for the latest updates on upcoming opportunities.

We recommend taking some time to explore all of the apprenticeship opportunities available to help you find the best fit for your interests, skills and career goals.

Our Level 2-5 and some Level 6 degree apprenticeships are typically aimed at those who have not yet completed a degree. If you already have a degree, significant experience in a particular area, or have previously completed an apprenticeship, you may wish to consider one of our postgraduate level apprenticeships.

Please note that eligibility requirements vary between apprenticeships, so read the job advert carefully before applying to make sure you meet the criteria for your chosen scheme.

Yes. All of our apprenticeship schemes have a closing date, which will be clearly displayed on the job advert.

Applications are usually open for several weeks, but we recommend applying as early as possible to avoid any unexpected issues close to the deadline.

Before submitting your application, make sure you review all of your answers carefully, particularly those relating to eligibility for the apprenticeship.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications once the closing date has passed.

Each apprenticeship advert will clearly list the location or locations available for that role.

You can only apply to one location per apprenticeship, so we encourage you to consider carefully which location works best for you. Before applying, please make sure you can commute easily to your chosen office location.

Please note that if multiple applications are submitted for the same apprenticeship at different locations, any additional applications will be withdrawn.

We recommend focusing on the apprenticeship that excites you most and best matches your skills, interests and career goals. This gives you the best opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for the role.

However, if you're genuinely interested in more than one apprenticeship, meet the eligibility criteria for each, and feel you will be able to clearly explain why they align with your career ambitions, you can apply for more than one scheme.

Please note that you can only submit one application per apprenticeship scheme in each recruitment cycle. If multiple applications are submitted for the same scheme, only your first application will be considered and any additional applications will be withdrawn. For example, if you apply for a Production Apprenticeship in one location, you should not submit further applications for the same apprenticeship in other locations or teams.

No. Each apprenticeship has its own eligibility criteria and application questions, so it's not possible to transfer an application from one scheme to another.

We encourage you to take some time to review all of the available information and make sure you're applying for the apprenticeship that's right for you before submitting your application.

If applications are still open, you can withdraw your application and submit a new application for a different apprenticeship instead.

Yes, absolutely. Our apprenticeships are highly competitive, and we receive a large number of applications for each opportunity every year. Many of our current and former apprentices were successful on their second or even third application, so don't be discouraged if you're not successful the first time.

Going through the application and assessment process can be a valuable learning experience, giving you the opportunity to build your skills and confidence. We encourage you to reflect on any feedback you receive and use it to strengthen future applications. Do also take time to reflect on what you want from a role as this may have changed since your application in previous years and you therefore may want to consider a different opportunity.

No, you don't need to submit a CV or cover letter when applying for a BBC apprenticeship. This will not be reviewed by the hiring team. Instead, you'll complete your application directly through our careers portal. We recommend taking the time to complete all sections carefully and accurately, as the information you provide will be used to assess your application.

If the apprenticeship has specific qualification requirements, please make sure you include full details of the courses you have studied and any qualifications you have achieved, as this information may be used to determine your eligibility for the scheme.

Throughout the recruitment process, we want to learn more about your skills, potential, and interests, as well as what motivates you to apply for the role.

We're interested in how you demonstrate our values and behaviours, as well as your potential to learn and grow. Our aim is to identify individuals who will thrive in a collaborative environment and contribute positively to the BBC and its audiences. We value diversity of thought, experience and background.

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible.

If you require any adjustments to help you complete your application or participate in assessments or interviews, please contact us using our support form and select 'Reasonable Adjustment' as the topic. Let us know what support you may need, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

There are a number of ways we can support you, including adapting our application and selection processes to ensure you can perform at your best throughout the recruitment journey.

A reasonable adjustment is a change or support put in place to ensure that a disability, condition, or impairment does not put you at a disadvantage during the recruitment process.

Adjustments are tailored to your individual needs and can include things such as additional time to complete assessments, receiving interview questions in advance, the use of subtitles during virtual interviews, or support from a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.

We're committed to making our recruitment process as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you need any adjustments at any stage, just let us know. We'll be happy to talk through your requirements and work with you to put the right support in place.

If you're interested in learning more about life at the BBC, our Get In Taster Days are a great place to start. They offer an insight into the variety of careers available across the BBC and the opportunities we have on offer. You can find out more in the Get In Taster Experience section of this website.

We've also teamed up with Springpod to launch a virtual work experience programme: The BBC and Me. This BBC Virtual Work Insight Programme could be the opportunity you need to help you with those next steps and decisions. You can complete our The BBC and Me virtual work experience programme here.

The qualifications required will depend on the apprenticeship scheme you are applying for. Full details of the entry requirements can be found in the job description when applications are open.

Many of our apprenticeship opportunities have no specific qualification requirements. Some schemes may require a minimum of GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent), while others may have additional academic requirements depending on the level and subject area.

We recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria carefully before applying to ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen scheme.

If you've received an email saying you do not meet the eligibility criteria, this means that, based on the answers provided in your application, you do not currently meet one or more of the requirements for the apprenticeship.

To understand why, please review the Eligibility Criteria section of the job advert and check your responses under the Job Specific Questions section in your BBC Careers Account. You may find one of your responses isn't the response you were meaning to give.

If you believe you meet the requirements or have answered a question incorrectly, you can update your application before the vacancy closing date. Your application will then be automatically rereviewed. Please ensure all information provided in your application is accurate and truthful, as incorrect or misleading information may result in your application being withdrawn.

We encourage you to carefully consider which apprenticeship level is the right fit for your skills, experience, and career goals. For some apprenticeship schemes, previous qualifications, training, or experience may affect your eligibility to apply.

Specific eligibility requirements relating to prior learning are outlined in each job description when applications are open. Before submitting your application, please make sure you have accurately provided details of your qualifications and experience, and carefully reviewed your responses to all eligibility questions.

A general guide is that if you have studied the apprenticeship subject at the same level or higher then you may not be eligible. If you're unsure whether your previous learning may affect your eligibility, we recommend checking the relevant job description for further guidance.

Yes. BBC apprenticeships are open to people from a wide range of backgrounds, including those looking to start a new career. Many of our programmes are designed to help individuals develop new skills and gain hands-on experience, regardless of their previous industry or profession.

A career change can bring valuable perspectives and transferable skills, and we welcome applications from individuals at different stages of their career journeys. We recommend reviewing the eligibility criteria for each apprenticeship to find the opportunities that best match your experience and goals.

If you already have a degree, you may want to explore our higher level apprenticeships offered by the BBC. These schemes are designed for people looking to continue their development after university, or for those with previous experience in a particular subject area. They provide an opportunity to advance your skills and work towards a professional qualification in certain areas.

If there isn't a higher-level apprenticeship in your area of interest, you may still be eligible to apply for other apprenticeship opportunities, provided they align with your career goals and you meet the relevant eligibility requirements, including those relating to prior learning.

You may also be interested in exploring opportunities through our experienced hire, freelance, and talent scheme routes advertised here.

You must be 18 or over when the apprenticeship starts. There is no upper age limit for our Level 3-7 schemes.

To be eligible for a BBC apprenticeship, you must have the legal right to work full-time in the UK for the entire duration of the programme. You must also meet the apprenticeship residency requirements, which typically include having lived in the UK continuously for at least three years before the apprenticeship start date.

For apprenticeships based in Guernsey or Jersey, you must have the right to live and work there in accordance with local population and employment laws.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the appropriate right to work throughout the duration of your apprenticeship. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who do not meet the relevant right to work and apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.

Please note that the BBC cannot provide visa sponsorship for early careers roles, including apprenticeships. If you are in the UK on a Student Visa/Graduate Visa, or your permission to remain in the UK is solely for educational purposes, you are unlikely to be eligible for a BBC apprenticeship unless you meet one of the exceptions outlined in the government's apprenticeship funding rules.

For more information, please visit:

• www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk
• www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules

To be eligible for a BBC apprenticeship, you must normally have been a continuous resident in the UK for at least three years before the start of your apprenticeship.

There are some exceptions to this requirement under the government's apprenticeship funding rules. For example, you may still be eligible if you are ordinarily a resident in the UK but have spent time living abroad for reasons such as education, work, or a gap year.

You may also be eligible if you are an EEA or Swiss national with Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and have lived in the UK, EEA, Gibraltar, or Switzerland for the required period.

For full details on residency requirements and eligibility exceptions, please refer to the latest apprenticeship funding guidance on the GOV.UK website here: www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules.

If you are living in the UK on a Student Visa, you will typically not be eligible for a BBC apprenticeship under current UK apprenticeship funding rules.

Apprenticeship funding eligibility is determined by government regulations, which can change over time. We recommend reviewing the latest guidance on the UK Government website for full eligibility details and up-to-date information: www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules.

If you're interested in other opportunities at the BBC, we encourage you to explore our vacancies on the BBC Careers website.

At present, all BBC apprenticeship opportunities are based in the UK.

If you're interested in international opportunities or other roles outside the UK, we encourage you to search our vacancies on the BBC Careers website.

The BBC welcomes and encourages applications from disabled people for all of its apprenticeship opportunities.

In addition, some apprenticeship roles are offered through BBC Extend, the BBC's positive action employment programme for disabled people, including those who identify as deaf and/or neurodivergent. These roles are only open to applicants who identify as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 (or the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland).

BBC Extend helps create more opportunities for disabled people, who are currently underrepresented within the BBC workforce.

Under the Equality Act 2010, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. There is no definitive list of conditions that qualify as a disability under the Act.

To find out more about BBC Extend and whether you may be eligible, please visit the BBC Extend section of our careers website.

The timeline can vary depending on the scheme and the volume of applications we receive. As a result, some stages of the recruitment process may take longer than others.

We'll keep you updated throughout the process and let you know when you can expect to hear from us at each stage. We'll also share key dates and timelines as soon as they're confirmed.

For most apprenticeship schemes, assessment centres typically take place between January and April.

The time available to complete assessments or pre-assessment tasks will vary depending on the scheme. Any deadlines and instructions will be clearly communicated when the assessment or task is sent to you.

We recommend completing tasks as early as possible rather than waiting until the deadline, as this allows time to address any unexpected technical issues and ensures your submission is received on time.

The time it takes to receive an outcome will vary depending on the apprenticeship scheme and the number of roles being recruited for.

We'll keep you updated throughout the recruitment process and provide information about expected timelines at each stage. If you progress to an assessment centre or interview, we'll share more specific details about when you can expect to hear the outcome of your application.

The recruitment process varies depending on the scheme. Some may require you to complete online assessments as part of your application and others may have a technical task.

We'll guide you through each stage of the process and provide clear information about any assessments, tasks, and key timelines, so you'll know exactly what to expect and when.

If you progress to an assessment centre or interview stage, you'll have the opportunity to request feedback, regardless of whether your application is successful.

For many of our online assessments, you'll also receive a feedback report to help you better understand your results.

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we're unable to provide individual feedback at every stage of the recruitment process.

You can track the progress of your application by logging into your profile on the BBC Careers website. We'll also send updates throughout the recruitment process to the email address linked to your profile, so it's important to use an email account that you can access regularly.