BBC Local Apprentices: Studying for the NCTJ diploma at the BBC

What is it like to study for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) diploma at the BBC? Wolverhampton Express & Star's Joe Edwards and BBC Radio Stoke's Local Apprentice Rebecca Bradshaw explain.

For the past year, five Wolverhampton Express & Star apprentices have been training alongside BBC Local Apprentices at the BBC Academy in Birmingham. All of the apprentices are studying towards a National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) qualification in journalism practice. 

Two apprentices talk about their experiences:

Joe Edwards – Apprentice, Wolverhampton Express & Star

As an outsider, there were some nerves and apprehension before training at the BBC Academy for the first time. However, as soon as I arrived I realised I was in a top-class working environment with the facilities to allow me to excel in my studies.

There is nothing quite like being in a busy newsroom but my time at the BBC provided me with all the knowledge necessary for the best possible chance of succeeding in the workplace.

We all received teaching of the highest order from BBC Academy trainer Sue Green on court reporting, essential media law and public affairs as well as intensive shorthand sessions, which proved vital for many of us in the long run.

What I particularly enjoyed though was the opportunity to immerse myself in radio production when producing a mock broadcast for the rest of the group to listen to. That was a great experience for me and, after a long period of planning the broadcast with the other members of the group, felt really rewarding.

It was also good to hear the views of experienced journalists, such as Nick Owen from BBC Midlands Today, who were all willing to answer any questions that we had and gave us some great advice.

In terms of the learning, sometimes it may seem like a lot to take in at once but you can gain a lot in such a short time at the BBC Academy.

So, basically, if you want to become a journalist, get yourself on to an NCTJ-accredited course. It will provide you with essential knowledge for working in the media - be it print, radio or TV.

Finally, for anybody visiting the BBC Academy for training, my advice would be to just enjoy it.

You will meet some amazing people and, even if you're an outsider like me, you will have a fantastic time learning with a group of talented, driven young people.

Rebecca Bradshaw – Local Apprentice, BBC Radio Stoke

The best part about being an apprentice is being allowed to try anything and everything you want to within your work placement or organisation.

As a BBC Local Apprentice, I have been given so many great opportunities to take part in different work projects and events that I could only dream of if I were not part of the scheme. The BBC Local Apprenticeship Scheme has continually supported me in opening doors across the BBC. It has provided different training sessions in areas that set me up with significant skills for the future.

The scheme has been brilliant. I'd say the main highlights are working and training with the BBC and having the chance to work alongside talented journalists, producers and presenters each day. I am able to offer ideas, my own work and potential stories to them, which is fantastic.

It always gives me great satisfaction when I hear one of my reports or a show I've helped produce go out live on air. I not only helped create it but I have also contributed to the BBC’s output. I think that is pretty amazing; especially as only a year ago I was sat taking my A-level exams in sixth-form!

At the beginning of the apprenticeship, I found adapting to full-time work and getting used to the commute everyday a new challenge. I was used to a short journey to my sixth-form college and attending a few hours each day, so working life took some adjustment. Thankfully, I feel I have adapted well and it has become a part of my daily routine that I really enjoy.

Completing my NCTJ diploma with the BBC has been enjoyable because I have largely been able to finish it through my day-to-day job, which often consists of reporting or creating content. I feel that completing my NCTJ qualification with the BBC has really benefited my career.

I would have found it challenging to sign off work and complete some elements if I didn't have the facilities that the BBC and my station offer me each day. The variety of tasks has given me the chance to apply a range of work to my NCTJ qualification, which is great and incredibly helpful.

I have had regular one-to-one supervision meetings with my mentor and we have allocated time on my rota specifically dedicated to my NCTJ work each week. This has allowed me to concentrate purely on my coursework and shorthand, which has worked very well because it gives me time to achieve all my study goals while working as an active member of my station’s team.

I would encourage anyone thinking about training with the NCTJ to work hard and think outside the box. Create goals and never lose sight of them. And don't ever give up!

There’ll be more from the apprentices on the BBC Academy website throughout the year. You can keep up-to-date with the latest news via Twitter using #BBCLAS or via clips on BBC iPlayer Radio.

You can follow Joe’s work further on the Wolverhampton Express and Star homepage.