BBC introduces tech-focused apprenticeship program
In a bid to address the technology skills shortage in the broadcast sector, the BBC has announced the launch of a new technology apprenticeship scheme. John Linwood, the BBC's Chief Technology Officer (CTO), made the announcement in a video released yesterday.
The scheme, which leads to an MSc qualification after two years, aims to equip young people with the cutting-edge skills needed for modern broadcast technology roles. By combining practical experience with technical education, the initiative seeks to cultivate a pipeline of skilled talent within the industry.
The scheme is likely to involve partnerships with educational institutions and offer apprenticeships that include training in areas critical to broadcasting technology, such as digital media production, IT infrastructure, and software development. The BBC's focus on technology apprenticeships reflects the sector's need to keep pace with rapid technological advances and ensure a workforce capable of supporting innovative broadcast services.
The BBC's apprenticeship efforts align with broader industry and government strategies to expand high-quality apprenticeship offerings to tackle talent shortages. The scheme is part of an industry collaboration with Channel 4, ITV, digital broadcast specialist Red Bee, and broadcast infrastructure operator Arqiva. The collaboration is focused on establishing a skills agenda for the UK broadcast industry.
The goal is to produce 100 highly skilled, experienced, and employable graduate-level apprentices over the next eight years. The scheme will provide work placements, academic study, and training to 20 apprentices per year. Apprentices will have the opportunity to experience the full range of the BBC's broadcast operations.
The scheme is part-funded by the government and is being developed in collaboration with the University of Salford and Birmingham City University. The BBC's long history includes being at the forefront of broadcasting engineering excellence over many decades. The outsourcing of its IT services to Atos, following its acquisition of Siemens' IT services division in 2010, underscores the BBC's commitment to technological innovation.
Lee Cowie, head of technology operations at Red Bee media, emphasized the need for a good source of new people in the industry due to rapid changes and technological innovation. The BBC's new technology apprenticeship scheme is a significant contribution towards helping train and develop the next generation of engineering talent, according to John Linwood, the BBC's CTO. The initiative aims to help the UK broadcasting industry maintain its world-leading position for the future.
- The technology apprenticeship scheme launched by the BBC is designed to offer apprenticeships that include training in areas such as digital media production, IT infrastructure, and software development, with the long-term goal of producing 100 highly skilled graduates over the next eight years.
- The BBC's initiative, which focuses on technology education and self-development, aligns with broader industry strategies to tackle talent shortages and ensure a workforce capable of supporting innovative broadcast services, as well as maintaining the UK broadcasting industry's world-leading position for the future.
