BBC Apprenticeships 2027: Schemes, Salary and How to Apply
Opens 3 November 2026 Applications for BBC apprenticeships starting in September 2027 open on 3 November 2026. Schemes currently show as closed.
29 October 2026
The BBC’s early careers route is built around apprenticeships rather than a single graduate scheme. They run from Level 2 to Level 6 (bachelor’s-degree level), cover business, digital technology and data, engineering, journalism and production, and the BBC says it hires about 200 apprentices a year. This guide pulls together the official BBC pages and the BBC apprenticeship directory for 2027 so you can see what is on offer and how to apply.
BBC apprenticeships 2027 at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Route | Apprenticeships, Levels 2 to 6 (Level 6 is bachelor’s-degree level) |
| Applications open | 3 November 2026 for apprenticeships starting in September 2027 (BBC early careers) |
| Salary | £24,650 to £26,000 depending on scheme, plus a living allowance for London and the Channel Islands roles |
| Holiday and pension | 25 days of annual leave and a defined pension scheme |
| Areas | Business; Digital Technology & Data; Engineering & Operations; Journalism; Production |
| CV or cover letter | Not required for apprenticeship roles |
| Process | Online application, online exercises, video interview, assessment centre, offer |
When do BBC apprenticeships 2027 open?
Applications for the BBC’s September 2027 intake open on 3 November 2026, according to the BBC early careers page. At the moment the individual scheme pages list their roles as “Applications closed” for the previous round, so check the live adverts on the BBC jobs search from 3 November. The BBC also lets you sign up for notifications on its early careers page.
Schemes and levels
The BBC apprenticeship directory 2027 (PDF) lists the roles below. Durations are the BBC’s current figures and may vary.
| Area | Role | Level | Current duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business | Administration Assistant | 2 | 12 months |
| Business | Multi-Channel Marketer | 3 | 18 months |
| Business | Accounting Finance Manager | 6 | 37 months |
| Digital Technology & Data | AI and Automation Practitioner | 4 | 18 months |
| Digital Technology & Data | Data Analyst | 4 | 18 months |
| Digital Technology & Data | Data Scientist | 6 | 36 months |
| Digital Technology & Data | Software Engineer (Digital and Technology Solutions Professional) | 6 | 40 months |
| Engineering & Operations | Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator | 3 | 25 months |
| Engineering & Operations | Post-Production Technical Operator | 4 | 16 months |
| Engineering & Operations | Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer | 6 | Minimum 3 years |
| Journalism | Junior Journalist (NCTJ Diploma) | 5 | 2 years |
| Journalism | Journalist | 6 | 30 months |
| Production | Production Assistant | 3 | 13 months |
| Production | Content Creator | 3 | 15 months |
| Production | Junior Production Coordinator | 4 | 17 months |
The BBC notes that not every Level 6 apprenticeship includes a degree qualification, so check the advert. As one production apprentice, Nell, puts it on the BBC’s site, “Every day is different, and that’s what I love most!” (one apprentice’s view, quoted by the BBC).
Eligibility
Requirements vary by scheme, so read each advert. The BBC apprenticeships page says you must also:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 or over |
| Residency | Lived in the UK continuously for the last three years before the apprenticeship starts |
| Right to work | Right to work full-time in the UK throughout the apprenticeship |
| Other apprenticeships | Not undertaking another apprenticeship programme |
| Prior qualifications | Not already holding a qualification in the same subject area at the same or a higher level |
Scheme-specific entry rules also apply. For example, the directory asks for Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C and a minimum of 112 UCAS points including Maths for the Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer apprenticeship, and 104 UCAS points for the Data Scientist apprenticeship.
Salary and benefits
BBC apprentices receive a salary from £24,650 to £26,000 depending on the scheme, plus a living allowance for roles based in London and the Channel Islands (the directory gives £5,441 for London). The BBC also lists a dedicated team manager and scheme specialist, industry-led training through the BBC Academy, 25 days of annual leave, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, healthcare and gym options. After the scheme you can apply for suitable BBC vacancies or roles elsewhere in the creative industries.
The 5-step application process
The BBC says the process is tailored to each scheme, so stages can vary. The typical route on the BBC application process page is:
1. Online application
An application form that confirms your eligibility and your motivation. No CV or cover letter.
2. Online exercises
An interactive assessment of around 60 to 90 minutes. Depending on the role it may include strengths-based questions, situational judgement exercises or job-specific tasks such as coding. You can practise first.
3. Video interview
For most schemes you record answers to a set of questions, some may need a written response, and you can re-record. Some schemes use a different method.
4. Assessment centre
Usually virtual: activities such as a group exercise and an interview, and a chance to meet BBC colleagues. Some schemes add a pre-assessment task or a standalone virtual interview.
5. Offer
If successful you receive an offer and the team keeps in touch until your start date, with chances to meet other apprentices.
Using AI in your application
The BBC is open about AI. It says AI can help you prepare, but it wants your own voice.
| Fine to use AI for | Avoid using AI for |
|---|---|
| Proofreading and grammar checks | Generating answers that do not reflect your own experience |
| Practising interview or assessment questions | Submitting AI-written answers at any stage |
| Explaining job-description terms | Completing assessments designed to test your own judgement |
| Researching careers and the industry | Impersonating your voice or image in video or live interviews |
| Organising your thoughts before you write | Fabricating achievements, skills or qualifications |
Our guide to using ChatGPT on a CV and cover letter covers how other UK employers approach the same issue.
How to prepare
Use the practice opportunities the BBC provides, and read how situational judgement tests work before your online exercises. Our overview of which employers use which online tests and the assessment centre guide help with the later stages. For wider public-sector options, see how to get a government job after graduation and the graduate schemes hub.
Application checklist
FAQ
When do BBC apprenticeships 2027 open?
The BBC says applications for apprenticeship opportunities starting in September 2027 open on 3 November 2026. Individual schemes show as closed until then.
Do I need a CV or cover letter for a BBC apprenticeship?
No. For BBC apprenticeship roles you do not submit a CV or cover letter; the BBC considers the information in the application form.
How much do BBC apprentices earn?
The BBC lists a salary from £24,650 to £26,000 depending on the scheme, plus a living allowance for roles based in London and the Channel Islands.
How long are the BBC online assessments?
The BBC says the online exercises take around 60 to 90 minutes and that you can practise first. Depending on the role they may include strengths-based questions, situational judgement exercises or tasks such as coding.
Can I use AI in my BBC application?
You can use AI to proofread, practise, research and organise your thoughts. The BBC asks you not to submit AI-written answers or use AI to complete assessments, and says suspected misuse may affect how your application is assessed.
Can graduates apply?
Eligibility depends on the scheme. The BBC says you must not already hold a qualification in the same subject area at the same or a higher level, and it has a dedicated FAQ on applying with a degree. Read the job advert and the FAQs before you apply.
Sources: BBC early careers, BBC apprenticeships explained, BBC application process, BBC FAQs and the BBC apprenticeship directory 2027. Details can change; confirm in each job advert.
