Radio broadcast assistant

You could do a higher national diploma or degree in radio or broadcast media production, though this is not essential.

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

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could do a college course, which would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to get a trainee position.

Courses include:

• creative media production and technology
• sound engineering
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

You can apply to do a Production assistant - Screen and Audio Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or a Junior Production Co-ordinator Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These will help you to develop the skills you need to work in radio, or the media industry more generally.

An apprenticeship can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and study.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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

You can get useful work experience through:

• community, hospital or student radio
• volunteer placements with radio stations

You can get a list of radio stations from:

• Community Media Association
• RadioCentre
• Hospital Broadcasting Association

You can also apply for BBC taster days and work experience placements .

Career Tips

It's a good idea to develop a portfolio of your work on social media, for example podcasts, so you can showcase your skills to potential employers.

For some jobs, it may help if you have in-depth knowledge of a particular area, for example music, current affairs, science, journalism or media research.

Professional and Industry Bodies

You could join the Radio Academy for networking and keeping up to date on current issues in radio broadcasting.

Further Information

You can find out more about about careers in radio from The Pips and Radio Academy .

As a radio broadcast assistant, you could:

• research topics, material and guests for programmes
• book studio time, equipment and guests
• produce programme logs and running orders for shows
• operate studio equipment and create pre-recorded clips
• support programme contributors before, during and after shows
• update the programme or station's website and social media channels
• handle feedback and requests for archived content

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