Adam Neal, BBC Wales Apprentice shares his story

In August 2017, I had an email from the Talent Team for Unscripted Productions offering me an interview for their apprenticeship, I was speechless. To be honest I was unaware of the BBC Apprenticeships that were open at that time. I had originally applied for another apprenticeship and was invited a long to an assessment day that was run by Sgil Cymru. Whilst there I was speaking to some of the other applicants and they said they were there for BBC apprenticeships and I was like “I wish I had applied!” Well there were some representatives from the BBC there and I had impressed them enough to get hold of my details and contacted me for an interview.

I went to the interview and I was probably the most nervous I have ever been for an interview but I did my research and went to the interview. It was tough but I felt I did my best and went away from there thinking “well I tried, whatever happens, happens.” The following day I had an email offering me the apprenticeship! I could not believe it. I was truly speechless but excited at the same time. I was immediately answering all the emails and sending all information they needed straight away.

I have always wanted to work in the media industry and after school I went to university to study Media Technology & Production but unfortunately it was not for me and I left the course. I moved on to work in retail for 5 years before then being a Special Needs Support Assistant in high school for a further 4 years. I felt like my chance had gone to live my dream but this apprenticeship has been a lifeline.

The past year has been incredible and I have learnt some invaluable skills that are essential in working on Unscripted Productions. I have worked on a 60 minute special called “The Miners Who Made Us” which was my introduction into the department and began learning these skills. Next came my time on The One Show where I had to research a current event topic and had 5 days to compile all research, organise contributors and fact check the script ready for it to be filmed the following week in Glasgow!

Next came my time on BBC’s X-Ray where I took on the role of a Production Management Assistant and primarily gave assistance out on shoots which I loved. By this time I felt I had found my feet in the department and was confident with equipment and knew more about how things worked. This was paramount for my time on Crimewatch Roadshow where I took a lead Runner role for a team. I offered the directors technical knowledge of our equipment as well as assisting with the operation of the equipment whilst on location. Crimewatch Roadshow was a whole new ball game as a production but I did enjoy my time. Finally came to Bargain Hunt which I had a good time with the runners, contestants, crew and presenters out on location.

However my time on Bargain Hunt was cut short due to me applying for a researcher role on X-Ray. I never thought in a million years that I would have been offered the role on my first application for a researcher job. But…I got it! I was speechless. When I was told I had the job my response was “no way!” To which was answered with “way” by my talent manager Zoe Rushton.

It’s been a tense and hard year, but it’s been fantastic as well. I believe it has shaped all the apprentices as individuals to come in to the industry. We’ve had so much support - from colleagues in the workplace, the BBC Academy and from Sgil Cymru. We’ve had invaluable experiences along the way. I feel extremely fortunate to have been offered a job with the X-Ray team at BBC Studios here in Wales. I never would have thought I’d be in this position five years ago. This has been a lifeline, it’s been incredible and I honestly can’t thank the BBC enough for the opportunity.

To those considering applying, my advice is just do it! What do you have to lose but you have everything to gain! You learn on the job, receive an industry wide acknowledged qualification, develop invaluable skills and get paid to do so.

I’m eager to continuing my adventure working for BBC Studios and excited to see the apprentice family grow with new apprentices coming into fold every year. I look forward to meeting you.

Adam Neal

Unscripted Production Apprentice 2017-2018

BBC Studios