Broadcast and media systems technical operator
Level 3 · AdvancedCreative and design 1.8 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator apprenticeship prepares you to set up, operate and support technical systems in broadcast studios, outside broadcasts and post-production environments. Apprentices work hands-on with audio, video and transmission equipment to support live and recorded productions. It leads to technical operator, broadcast engineer or media technology roles in TV, radio and online media.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Audio and video signal flow in a broadcast environment
Camera, lighting and sound equipment operation
Vision mixing and live production techniques
Playout, editing and file management workflows
Outside broadcast vehicle setup and operations
Communication and teamwork in live production
Health and safety in studios and location environments
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up and test broadcast equipment before production
Operate vision mixing desks and audio consoles
Monitor and adjust signal quality during live programmes
Support outside broadcast setups on location
Ingest, label and manage media files and rushes
Respond to technical issues swiftly during live transmission
Dismantle and store equipment safely after productions
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.