ROLE TITLE

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Broadcast Engineer/Technical Operator Apprentice, BBC Technology Operations(2 positions available)

START DATE / September 2011 / CONTRACT LENGTH & HOURS / 18 months; Full time
LOCATION / Salford Quays
PAY / Pay: £8K per annum for 16-17 yrs old, £11.1K per annum for 18+ yrs old
REPORTS TO / Technology Organiser/Project Leader, Technology Operations
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT / Technology Operations (Tech Ops) is part of the Broadcast and Enterprise Technology Group within the Technology Division. For BBC North, Technology Operations is responsible for keeping multi-media output available 24/7for News, Sport, Children’s, Regional Local Programmes and Audio & Music. Tech Ops also provides monitoring of incoming and outgoing live and pre-recorded material across a range of BBC output, business continuity, broadcast duty management and a range of operational support services.
AIM OF THE ROLE / To engage and assist in a range of broadcast and IT operations / equipment, provide technical support and offer original suggestions to any technical problems that might occur during operational and programme activities in Network Production Centres, Regional Centres and Local Radio Stations. The successful applicant must possess the aptitude and willingness to work across what is a broad range of Broadcast Engineering activities and also must have the ability to take on some technical operational tasks.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING / Over the course of your apprenticeship you will build your skills and knowledge to be able to successfully:
  • Interpret and diagnose technical problems from a range of sources.
  • Understand the operation of technical equipment (eg. radio sound desk) and the context of its use in production and broadcast activities.
  • Undertake operational duties, such as attending incidents requiring technical investigation, where required
It is essential you:
  • Work safely at all times, complying with BBC and statutory safety requirements and to conduct a range of safety tests, risk and hazard assessments.
  • Work flexibly and willingly, responding as required to occasional out of hours problems.
  • Remain involved with an understanding of the BBC Broadcast continuity and emergency procedures.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU / The type of person we’re looking for would have theinterest in/ability to:
  • Simplify and systematically analyse and evaluate technical problems
  • Communicate clearly with a range of people at different levels of the organisation and explain and discuss technical issues using a range of styles, tools and techniques
  • Take initiative, get things done without being asked (being proactive) and be responsible for one’s own decisions
  • Get involved and build an understanding ofhe needs of production and operational departments
  • Effectively plan and co-ordinate ownactivities, and work in a team.
You should have:
  • A keen and proven interest in broadcasting and broadcast technology, and how television and radio content is made
  • Commitment to gaining your apprenticeship qualification through attending college when required and completing related work
Desirable Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of personal computers, servers, IT systems and networks
  • A demonstrable interest or practical experience in engineering and technical operations. This would include evidence of previous technical aptitude

WHAT WE’LL OFFER YOU /
  • Chance to build your skills, confidence and experience working within the technical and broadcast engineering side of production, gaining an excellent start to your career
  • Access and support in gaining an Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media
(equivalent to two A Levels)
  • A formal induction process
  • Mentoring by a member of BBC staff and regular guidance and development reviews to ensure everything is going well and you’re getting the most out of the experience
  • On the job training as required
  • Opportunities to see what goes into the making of TV, Radio and online programmes
  • The opportunity to apply for internal jobs at the end of your Apprenticeship
  • A role working within new, state-of-the-art buildings; being part of friendly and supportive teams; and being involved with a huge, new and exciting part of the BBC’s history

FURTHER INFORMATION / BBC Departments that Tech Ops North supports:
Network and Local Radio: MediaCityUK will be the main base for BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Manchester. In addition to this Radio 2, 3, 4 and 6Music produce some of their content from the site and Tech Ops North also supports other BBC Local Radio produced in the North West of England. For these departments, Tech Ops North provides both studio support and assistance with Audio Edit & Playout systems used in the production of radio programmes.
Television Production: MediaCityUK will also be home to BBC Children’s, BBC Learning, Entertainment Productions Manchester, BBC Comedy North, BBC Religion & Ethics, Drama North and Current Affairs. Tech Ops North will work closely with these departments to support their television programme production work in the office, the studio and out on location.
Sport: BBC Sport is making MediaCityUK its new home and will mostly be based in the same building as Tech Ops North. Our support relationship covers all of the platforms they produce content for, from the Sport Online services to their TV programmes including Match of the Day and Football Focus.
News: BBC Breakfast will be making the move to MediaCityUK in 2012 and ahead of this Tech Ops North will be supporting local news programme North West Tonight along with other popular Local and Regional Programming including Inside Out and The Politics Show.
Other Technology Departments: Along with supporting the BBC’s production departments, Tech Ops North has close ties to the BBC’s technology development departments who work on how the BBC Audience can receive the programmes and content produced. Eg. the Red Button Technology and BBC iPlayer.
As part of the Apprenticeship there will be opportunity to engage with these BBC departments, including Future Media, Broadcast & Enterprise Technology, Research & Development and Information & Archives.
Support Partners: Technology Operations, BBC North are one of a number of Support Partners to the programme and output teams based out of MediaCityUK, Salford Quays. All Support Partners are committed to working to an Integrated Support Model to provide excellent customer service including MediaCityUK Studios Ltd; Balfour Beatty Workplace (facilities management) and Siemens (for desktop, telephony and network).

FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND TO APPLY:

June2011