Radio broadcast assistant

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering

University

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in radio or media production.

This will help you to learn about the broadcasting industry and develop the skills you'll need for this job.

Other courses like science or politics would be useful if you want to work on specialist radio productions.

Degree courses that include practical broadcasting experience through industry placements or internships may give you an advantage. You could also volunteer to work on your university radio station during your degree.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

College

You can do a college course that may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role. Courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Radio
• Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Sound Production
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You can get into this career through a broadcast production assistant advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

Competition for jobs is strong. Employers will expect you to have practical experience and show you have a real enthusiasm for radio broadcasting.

You could get useful experience through:

• community, hospital or student radio
• work placements

You can get a list of radio stations from:

• Community Media Association
• RadioCentre
• Hospital Broadcasting Association

You can also apply for a BBC work experience placement .

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
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• thinking and reasoning skills
• 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
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• knowledge of maths
• 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:

Radio broadcast assistants help make sure that live and recorded radio programmes run smoothly.

In this role you could:

• research guests and topics for programmes
• book guests, prepare contracts and arrange payment
• book studio time and equipment
• type scripts
• produce programme logs and running orders
• operate technical studio equipment to play pre-recorded items
• keep track of costs
• update the programme or station's website, blog or social media
• archive programme material
• arrange and send out competition prizes

Location : You could work at a recording studio or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £29,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours irregular

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a radio producer, presenter, music programmer or a technical studio manager.

You could move into television research or production.