How to become a broadcast engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- a training scheme
University
You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme. Useful subjects include:
- broadcast engineering
- broadcast technology
- electronics
- physics
- computer science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You may be able to get into broadcast engineering after doing a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You could get started by doing an apprenticeship such as a:
- broadcast and media systems technical operator advanced apprenticeship
- broadcast and media systems engineer degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start work as a production assistant and later apply for a place on an engineer training scheme.
Another option is to begin as a broadcast technician, for example after an apprenticeship. You'd then train more on the job to become an engineer.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get practical experience using broadcasting equipment because there is a lot of competition for places on training schemes.
You could get experience on a:
- student film and TV production
- community or hospital radio
- work placement with a broadcaster
Other Routes
If you already work for a broadcast company in another role, you might be able to start an engineering training scheme with the company you work for, like the BBC's degree apprenticeship.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can apply for professional registration with the Engineering Council.
You might increase your career opportunities if you register.
Further information
You can find out more about working in broadcasting from:
You can get information on working in media and creative careers from ScreenSkills and Discover Creative Careers.