Broadcast engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• a training scheme

University

You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme. Useful subjects include:

• broadcast engineering
• broadcast technology
• electronics
• physics
• computer science

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You may be able to get into broadcast engineering after doing a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production .

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could get started by doing an apprenticeship such as a:

• broadcast and media systems technical operator advanced apprenticeship
• broadcast and media systems engineer degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start work as a production assistant and later apply for a place on an engineer training scheme.

Another option is to begin as a broadcast technician, for example after an apprenticeship. You'd then train more on the job to become an engineer.

Volunteering

You'll find it useful to get practical experience using broadcasting equipment because there is a lot of competition for places on training schemes.

You could get experience on a:

• student film and TV production
• community or hospital radio
• work placement with a broadcaster

OtherRoutes

If you already work for a broadcast company in another role, you might be able to start an engineering training scheme with the company you work for, like the BBC's degree apprenticeship .

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to work well with others
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of maths
• knowledge of media production and communication
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• observation and recording skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to read English
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace

What you'll do:

Broadcast engineers make sure programmes are shown at the right times and are high quality.

You could:

• set up studio equipment
• install multimedia hardware, software and digital broadcast technology systems
• set up and operate links between studios and outside broadcast (OB) units
• edit programmes live as they’re being transmitted or recorded
• test and service equipment, including repairing faults

Location : You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a workshop.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could specialise in working with specific types of equipment, such as digital, cable or satellite.

Many engineers work freelance so networking and keeping up to date with changes in the industry is really important to win clients.