Media apprenticeships

With careers in TV, radio and film production - plus other areas including business, design, engineering and journalism - media apprenticeships provide a gateway into the UK's thriving digital and creative industries

Working on the production side of film and television has always required new starters to join as runners and develop their skills on the job. Previous qualifications are often needed for technical roles like video editing and visual effects (VFX).

To enter this competitive landscape straight from sixth form/college or university, a media apprenticeship can provide the ideal stepping stone to a full-time job or contract with the company.

What are the different levels for a media apprenticeship?

• Advanced - Level 3, equivalent to A-level.
• Higher - Levels 4 and 5, equivalent to a foundation degree or above.
• Degree - Level 6, equivalent to a Bachelors degree.

Most advertised positions will be higher or degree apprenticeships. However, you can read more general information on apprenticeships in our essential guide to apprenticeships.

What media apprenticeships are available?

• advertising and digital marketing - explore marketing apprenticeships
• broadcast media production and editing - television and radio
• film production
• journalism
• publishing.

Which media organisations offer apprenticeships?

When it comes to structured early careers programmes, the UK's major media organisations all offer apprenticeships:

• Amazon Prime Video - their 18-month Level 3 creative industries production technician and production assistant apprenticeships are based in London.
• BBC - available in areas ranging from business, production and journalism to design, engineering and technology. With opportunities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, production apprenticeships are perfect for those passionate about TV, radio or online media.
• Channel 4 - most likely based in Leeds or London, you could work in various areas, such as its in-house digital content studio, 4Studio, or its creative agency, 4Creative. These Level 4 and Level 7 qualifications can be achieved within 14 to 36 months.
• ITV - as well as offering a nine-month ITV News traineeship, they also run an apprenticeship programme lasting a minimum of 12 months in areas including studio production, news, commissioning and global entertainment. You could be based in London, Manchester, Leeds or a regional office throughout the UK.
• Sky - the media organisation offers programmes in business (business administration, finance, marketing, and technical operator), customer (customer service, customer sales, and home service), and technology (cyber security and software engineering). Roles are available nationwide, and apprenticeships last 18 months to two years.
• Virgin Media O2 apprenticeships - available in business/data analysis, project management, radio engineering and technical administration. While they're not production roles, they'd be ideal if you'd like to work for a large media company.
• Warner Bros Studios - marketing and set lighting administration at their UK production facilities in Leavesden, Hertfordshire.

What about apprenticeships with film production companies?

If you want to work in the UK film industry, you'll find that film production apprenticeships with studios are rarely advertised. Entry-level positions (usually starting as a runner) are often filled through word of mouth and having the right contacts.

The famous Pinewood Studios, where Star Wars and James Bond were filmed, runs apprenticeship programmes in post-production, technology, and operations. However, these do not provide direct entry into hands-on production positions, which are typically filled by the companies renting out the space.

The industry's skills body, ScreenSkills provides information on where to look for film apprenticeships.

Explore jobs in the film industry.

Who are they aimed at?

With no upper age limit, as long as you're over 16 and meet the employer requirements, you can apply for a media apprenticeship.

Despite this, apprenticeship providers will have a particular skill set or educational background in mind when inviting candidates to apply for one of their programmes. This is mainly due to the level of the apprenticeship.

For example, ITV sees its apprenticeships as ideal for school or college leavers as an alternative to university.

They don't expect you to have acquired much relevant work experience but hope to find new talent from all walks of life who can flourish in the media industry.

They look for candidates who:

• have the ability to work on multiple tasks under pressure
• are proactive, confident and can communicate clearly
• demonstrate teamwork skills
• can learn and apply new skills.

To qualify for Sky's Level 4 Post Production Technical Operator Apprenticeship, you'll require at least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English and maths. They'll also accept BTEC Level 1 and 2 qualifications.

What do media apprenticeships involve?

By becoming a media apprentice, you'll receive the latest industry training while applying it to your role and being paid a salary. Whether you land a permanent position or not, the contacts you make during this time will prove invaluable to your career.

The nature of these specific programmes depends on the area of specialism. You'll find that TV production apprenticeships generally involve working behind the scenes, performing various tasks on set to help everything run smoothly.

For instance, the BBC's 18-month Level 3 Production Apprenticeship, available in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, allows you to gain content or production management experience while achieving a qualification.

While on these schemes, you'll get to:

• come up with stories and ideas for content
• learn how to bring a production to life
• or discover how to use technical equipment or specialist software.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you'll understand the various stages of the production process, from the initial idea to the finished piece of content.

The BBC's two-year Level 7 Journalist Apprenticeship enables you to achieve the industry-recognised NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). Read more about journalism courses.

Whether you're interested in radio, TV or digital media apprenticeships with a large employer like the BBC, there's always plenty of choice.

On the other hand, by choosing Virgin Media O2's Level 3 Radio Technician Apprenticeship, you can kick-start a career in the telecommunications industry.

The apprenticeship involves ensuring their radio plans are designed to meet all their area requirements. Tasks include:

• data input and analysis
• discussing designs and managing the installation
• site visitations across the UK.

To explore different roles and how an apprenticeship might allow you to put your skills to good use, see graduate media jobs.

How much will I be paid?

As an apprentice, you'll be paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which currently stands at £6.40 per hour (from April 2024) for those under 19, as well as apprentices aged over 19 who are in their first year.

If you're over 19 and have completed your first year, you'll be paid the minimum wage for your age. See GOV.UK - National Minimum Wage Rates for more information.

As the employer sets your salary, you may be paid more than the minimum. For example:

• BBC - £21,840 for its advanced/higher apprenticeships.
• Channel 4 - £24,328 for its Junior Production Manager Higher Apprenticeship.
• ITV - £24,570 for its Level 3 Media Creation, Production and Craft Support Apprenticeships in Wales.
• Sky - £26,750 for its Level 4 Post Production Technical Operator Apprenticeship.
• VirginMedia O2 - £30,000, increasing to £33,000 after a year, for its Level 3 Radio Technician Apprenticeship.
• Warner Bros - £26,272 for its Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer Apprenticeship.

In 2025, media companies pay apprentices £22,000 to £30,000, with an average of £25,000.

While working as an apprentice, you'll be paid for your regular working hours and any training that's part of the scheme. You'll also be entitled to 20 days paid holiday each year, plus bank holidays.

How do I become a media apprentice?

Most applications are made online, as you would when applying for a job. See the employer's website for details of what they expect from you.

Media apprenticeships can start at any time of year. For example, Channel 4's application window is open from March for a September start, while applications for many of Sky's apprenticeships close towards the end of January.

Get the lowdown on applying for an apprenticeship.

Find out more

• Get an overview of the UK's media sector.
• Consider careers in music.
• Discover how to start podcasting.