Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Apprenticeship - Level 3 - Belfast Job Details | BBC

Bidvane; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 17,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Apprenticeship qualification with NFTS

On-the-job learning and career support

Travel for learning blocks

Job summary

BBC NI in Belfast offers a Level 3 Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator apprenticeship, a 25-month full-time fixed-term scheme delivering hands-on learning across camera, sound, vision mixing, editing and broadcast systems. The apprenticeship combines workplace learning with study through the National Film and Television School, including travel for learning blocks.

You will gain practical experience in live and recorded broadcasting, support BBC programmes, learn directing and

Qualifications

• No qualification in the apprenticeship subject at the same or a higher level.
• No extended BTEC or degree in media, television, film, audio or radio production.
• If under 19 on 7 September 2027, English and maths at GCSE grade 4/C, National 5 grade C, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent; otherwise achieve Functional Skills Level 2 before the end-point assessment

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience in live and recorded broadcasting, including camera work on location and technical roles in studios
• Contribute to BBC programme content using broadcast technology, including satellite trucks and IP systems for outside broadcasts
• Learn directing, lighting, editing and graphic design for regional and national programmes
• Study for the industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification through on- and off-the-job learning
• Develop skills in camera operation, floor management, TV vision mixing, sound operation and technical directing
• Learn multi-skilled shooting and editing, picture and audio editing, and ingest and library work
• Build understanding of how technical production, editorial choices and audience engagement shape content across TV and digital platforms
• Work across newsroom ingest hubs, galleries, studios, post-production areas and location productions
• Travel to in-person learning blocks and other apprenticeship activities when required

Skills

Media operations

Calm under pressure

Curiosity

Organisation

Self-motivation

Education

GCSE English and Maths

Functional Skills Level 2

Job description

This Level 3 Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator apprenticeship sits in BBC NI Operations. The apprentice learns and supports technical production for live and recorded BBC programmes, across camera, sound, vision mixing, editing and broadcast systems. The full-time fixed-term scheme lasts 25 months, combines workplace learning with study through the National Film and Television School, and includes travel for learning blocks and related activities. Applicants must be at least 18 when it begins in September 2027, meet the UK residence and right-to-work rules, and satisfy the subject-qualification limits.

What the job involves

• Gain practical experience in live and recorded broadcasting, including camera work on location and technical roles in studios
• Contribute to BBC programme content using broadcast technology, including satellite trucks and IP systems for outside broadcasts
• Learn directing, lighting, editing and graphic design for regional and national programmes
• Study for the industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification through on- and off-the-job learning
• Develop skills in camera operation, floor management, TV vision mixing, sound operation and technical directing
• Learn multi-skilled shooting and editing, picture and audio editing, and ingest and library work
• Build understanding of how technical production, editorial choices and audience engagement shape content across TV and digital platforms
• Work across newsroom ingest hubs, galleries, studios, post-production areas and location productions
• Travel to in-person learning blocks and other apprenticeship activities when required

What’s required

Qualifications

• No qualification in the apprenticeship subject at the same or a higher level, and no Level 3 or higher qualification in the subject
• No extended BTEC or degree in media, television, film, audio or radio production
• If under 19 on 7 September 2027, English and maths at GCSE grade 4/C, National 5 grade C, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent; otherwise achieve Functional Skills Level 2 before the end-point assessment

Experience

• Little or no work experience in the subject area

Skills & knowledge

• Interest in media content and its technical production
• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• Curiosity about how things work
• Strong organisation and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivation, flexibility and adaptability to out-of-hours working

Checks & eligibility

• At least 18 by the apprenticeship start in September 2027
• Continuous UK residence for the three years before the apprenticeship starts
• Legal eligibility to work full-time in the UK for the apprenticeship’s entire duration
• Not currently enrolled in another apprenticeship
• Live within commuting distance of the role base

What’s offered

• Apprenticeship qualification with learning through the National Film and Television School
• On-the-job learning and career development support
• Employability training and networking opportunities
• Relocation financial support for eligible applicants, subject to financial criteria and limited availability
• Disability Confident applicants meeting the minimum criteria will normally progress to the next recruitment stage