BBC to offer 100 apprenticeships in Greater Manchester
The BBC is to offer 100 apprenticeships over the next four years at its new northern base in Salford Quays.
BBC North will invite applications from the Greater Manchester area and will work to promote the scheme with partners including the Salford Foundation and the National Apprenticeship Scheme.
Over the next three to four years of being operational in Salford, BBC North will offer up to 100 apprenticeships across all the divisions based at MediaCityUK.
The first apprentices will join in September 2011 with 25 apprentices on site by May 2011. Many of the apprenticeships will have "a specific digital media or technology focus".
Richard Deverell, chief operating officer of BBC North, said: "This new apprenticeship scheme is a unique and long-term initiative that will offer a real training opportunity in the Greater Manchester area, bringing new people into the BBC as well as strengthening and enriching the creative industries across the region."
The scheme will be open to people with little or no work experience or qualifications. Their apprenticeship will last between 12 and 18 months during which time they will receive training that can be applied to real roles.
Ken Lee, HR director at BBC North, said: “This scheme has been specifically designed to attract people who would not think of a job in media – or the BBC – in the first instance and we are pleased that we are working in partnership with the Salford Foundation to reach them."