BBC to run paid placements for northern digital talent
The BBC has today announced plans to offer some of the brightest new digital talent in the north of England paid placements within its Salford-bound Future Media & Technology department.
The corporation has teamed up with support agency Vision+Media to deliver the scheme, which will start in January 2011 and see the successful candidates working at Future Media & Technology for three months.
Those chosen will take paid placements in the software engineering and user experience teams, tackling a working prototype and receiving mentoring and guidance from senior BBC staff.
The BBC claims the scheme "underlines the ambition and commitment of BBC North to be a leading innovator in digital technology and content production" when it moves to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays next May.
Peter Salmon, director of BBC North, said: "These bespoke placements are part of our commitment to training and developing the best local talent in the north
“The region is rapidly establishing itself as a real magnet for the best and most creative digital media companies and initiatives such as this will help create real opportunities for people in the area to get invaluable experience and develop new skills in a live environment and get a head start in their career.”
The BBC's Future Media & Technogy staff create the corporation's digital media offerings, including iPlayer, BBC Online and red button services.
Nick Gallon, a technical manager at Future Media & Technology, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for talented software engineers and UX designers to get a feel for what it is really like working within BBC FM&T - to sample the projects, the technologies and the methodologies we use, whilst showcasing their skills in a real environment not an anodyne interview."
More information and details of how to apply for the placements can be found on the Vision+Media website.