The BBC has unveiled a technology and engineering apprenticeship scheme, in a bid to address the technology skills shortage within the broadcasting industry.
The broadcaster aims to produce 100 highly-skilled graduate-level apprentices over the next eight years.
Available throughout the UK, the BBC Technology Apprenticeship scheme is funded by BBC Technology and the Government’s Employer Ownership Pilot.
The scheme is now open for applicants and will recruit 20 apprentices annually, to join a three-year programme with the aim of achieving a bachelor degree at the end.
John Linwood, the BBC's chief technology officer (CTO), said in a video release: "The BBC has been at the forefront of broadcasting engineering excellence over many decades.
“This important industry initiative is a major contribution towards helping train and develop the next generation of engineering talent, and helping the UK broadcasting industry maintain its world leading position for the future."
More on IT skills
Anne Morrison, director of the BBC Academy and chair of creative skillset TV & content strategy group, said: “We aim to make the BBC's training and associated resources available more widely across the broadcast supply chain - focusing on key industry skills gaps and attracting a wide and diverse range of applicants to help address the industry shortfall in this sector.”
The academic courses available to the apprentices will include software development and managing IP networks, as well as the traditional engineering principles of electronics, electrics, video and audio systems.
The BBC is currently working with the Universities of Salford and Birmingham City to design a course based on the theory of broadcast engineering.
19 Apr 2013