First Level 6 Higher Apprenticeship developed for the Creative Industries

Creative Skillset has been working in collaboration with the BBC and the Universities of Salford and Birmingham City, to create the first level 6 higher apprenticeship for the Creative Industries. The Higher Apprenticeship in Broadcast Technology will provide training at a level equivalent to a university degree and it is the first time these universities have collaborated on the development of such an apprenticeship. It has been developed to enable learners to gain technical knowledge and practical experience whilst still earning. The innovative new programme will address critical skills shortages in the broadcast and technology sector and aims to attract a more diverse range of young people into the industry. The apprenticeship has been tailored to fit the specific role of a broadcast engineer and combines modular learning in a university setting and training at the BBC Academy together with a unique structure of work placements across BBC sites as well as with selected industry partners and SMEs. The Advisory Board for the apprenticeship includes key employers in the sector, ITV, Channel 4, Red Bee Media, Arqiva and the BBC; it is chaired independently by the University of Salford. Upon successful completion of the programme, apprentices graduate with a B Eng in Broadcast Engineering jointly awarded by the University of Salford and Birmingham City University. Dinah Caine CBE, Chief Executive of Creative Skillset, said “The creation of this new qualification is a fantastic achievement. It is an exciting new pathway for young people looking to get ahead in the field of broadcast engineering and will support the development of the creative talent of the future.” Saint John Walker, Head of Development at Creative Skillset, said “The Higher Apprenticeship in Broadcast Technology is a ground-breaking development for the broadcast sector and for the industry as a whole. Not only is it the first Level 6 apprenticeship for the Creative Industries, it is also the first programme of its kind to be developed in association with higher education providers working together with a major employer.” Anne Morrison, Director of the BBC Academy said: “The skills required by broadcast engineers are changing as new technologies emerge. So we worked closely with the business and the wider broadcast industry, universities and Creative Skillset to understand exactly what knowledge, skills and experience new Apprentice Broadcast Engineers should gain. I was delighted when the first intake started at the BBC on 30 July.” The Level 6 Apprenticeship in Broadcast Technology has been developed as part of the Open Channels initiative and complements the existing level 4 higher apprenticeships in advertising, fashion and textiles and interactive design and development issued by Creative Skillset.   Creative Skillset has worked closely with both universities for several years and both have gained the Creative Skillset Tick for many of the flagship media courses they run.  Recognised as the quality kitemark for excellence in training courses and education in the Creative Industries, the Creative Skillset Tick helps identify the UK's most industry-focussed courses and apprenticeships. It is an invaluable signpost for potential students, apprentices and employers to indicate those programmes that provide the most up-to-date and relevant industry-approved training and education. The universities are also working with Creative Skillset on a project to develop employer-led curriculum for two-year degrees.