Content creating schemes
Schemes for content creating and production roles including directing, editing and programme development
BBC Upload - send your content now
Showcase your creativity on the BBC by uploading any kind of content - audio, video, text or images - and what catches our attention will be broadcast on BBC Radio stations and BBC digital platforms. Upload is open to submissions all year round based around the creators location. Find out more on the BBC Upload website.
BBC Young Musician
The long-running competition to find the UK’s most promising up-and-coming classical musicians with the grand final broadcast on BBC television, iPlayer, BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds. More information is available on the BBC Young Musician website.
TRC SuperSizer development programme
Six-month career-enhancing development programme for ambitious executives based in the Nations and English regions. As well as gaining exclusive access to leading broadcasters and commissioners, delegates will receive training on a variety of topics such as pitching, personal branding and persuasion and negotiation skills. Find out more on the TRC website.
NFTS Female Self-Shooters
Five-day training course held in different locations throughout the year for female factual film makers aimed at producer or assistant producer levels and designed to develop practical skills and grow confidence for everything from filming taster tapes to self-shooting their own documentary films. Find out more on the NFTS website.
BBC Sound First
Development scheme to find the best emerging sound design talent in the UK. Selected artists attend a series of workshops to develop their work with award-winning producers, composers and sound designers before having it featured on Radio 3’s Between the Ears. Applications are open annually via the BBC Sound First website.
BBC New Comedy Awards
Nationwide comedy search to find the best new stand-up performers. Shortlisted entries compete in televised regional heats across the UK with the winner from each performing at the final, broadcast on BBC One. The winner will receive a prize of £1,000, a paid commission to write and perform in a 30-minute audio pilot mentored by a BBC comedy commissioner. Further information on the New Comedy Awards website.
BBC Sounds Audio Lab
Podcaster programme to accelerate the next generation of audio creatives, helping to develop under-represented voices and turn fresh ideas into exciting new BBC podcasts. Each programme runs for seven to eight months offering funding, training, mentoring, production expertise and promotion. Applications open annually via the BBC Sounds Audio Lab website.
BBC Open Music
Training scheme bringing musicians and creatives across all genres and styles together to develop skills and explore collaborations across BBC orchestral and classical music. Trainees receive industry training and hands-on experience across audio, digital and live event production along with presenting, sound recording and engineering. Applications opening soon.
BBC Two Minute Masterpiece
Offering up to six emerging Northern Ireland-based filmmakers the opportunity to create their own two-minute film to be shown on BBC iPlayer. Up to six filmmakers will be paired with an industry mentor and given a production fund to make their film. Applications are open yearly with information available on the Two Minute Masterpiece website.
BBC Short Stuff - send your content now
Year-round opportunity for comedy writers and performers from or based in Scotland to develop new ideas and characters via experimental short-form sketches published on the BBC Short Stuff website. Send the BBC Scotland commissioning team ideas for new sketches at any time.
BBC Film Associate Producer Programme
Funded placements for emerging producers on up to eight BBC Film productions per year with particular emphasis on those from underrepresented groups. Individuals can apply directly with production companies or send expressions of interest to BBC Film.
BBC Elevate
Initiative to progress the careers of mid-level deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent production talent offering paid placements within TV production companies making BBC content along with tailored training and mentoring. Elevate will be opening for new applications later this year.
rad Scotland
Eight-month placement-based training programme to kick-start careers in TV for those from groups traditionally underrepresented in the industry. Alongside training, applicants are placed within Scottish production companies as researchers, edit assistants or production assistants to gain valuable skills and experience. Applications are open annually via the TRC website.
rad Cymru Wales
Eight-month placement-based training programme to kick-start careers in TV for those from groups traditionally underrepresented in the industry. Alongside training, applicants are placed within Welsh production companies as researchers, edit assistants or production team assistants to gain valuable skills and experience. Applications are open annually via the TRC website.
FormatLab
Nine-month training programme supporting emerging entertainment and unscripted development executives in Scotland with training, mentoring from industry professionals and a fully paid production placement. Previous experience in television is welcome but not required. Applications open annually via the TRC website.
The Black Collective of Media in Sport in the North
Series of masterclasses and training delivered by industry experts for young people based in the North of England aiming to start a career in the sports media.
Factual Fast Track Scotland and Northern Ireland
Year-long development programme accelerating the careers of unscripted TV creative leaders in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Candidates receive paid production placements, industry mentors and training alongside exclusive access to broadcast commissioners. Applications open annually on the TRC website.
Factual Fast Track Wales and West
Year-long development programme accelerating the careers of unscripted TV creative leaders in Wales and West England. Candidates receive paid production placements, industry mentors and training alongside exclusive access to broadcast commissioners. Applications open annually via the Factual Fast Track website.
BBC Comedy Collective
Comedy bursary scheme offering emerging writers, producers, directors and editors paid shadowing opportunities on BBC comedy productions, production mentors and £5k grants to help develop new material. Previous winners have received script commissions, produced successful TV and radio shows and won BAFTAs. Applications will be open in Spring 2026 via the BBC Commissioning website.
BBC New Documentary Directors' Initiative
Giving emerging directors the chance to make their first longform documentary for the BBC. Each director is supported by an established production company and mentored by an executive producer, receiving masterclasses from industry professionals. Previous films have won high-profile awards and alumni have gone on to direct flagship BBC factual series. Applications are open periodically on the BBC Careers website.
BBC Three Northern Pitch at Sheffield DocFest
Emerging documentary filmmakers pitch a programme idea to BBC commissioners at the Sheffield DocFest and the winner is placed in a TV production company who will work with them to make their film for BBC Three. Applications open annually via the BBC Careers website.
BBC Creator Lab
Opportunities for social media influencers and digital creators to develop their skills and careers at the BBC in collaboration with TikTok. The latest search focussed on developing football creators into new on-air contributors across BBC Sport output. More information and how to apply on the BBC Commissioning website.
BBC Ignite Animation Scheme
Animation opportunity for creators to pitch and develop a programme idea for BBC Children’s. Shortlisted ideas receive funding for a potential series commission to be broadcast on the BBC. Information about how and when to apply is available on the BBC Commissioning website.
BBC Where It Begins
Eight-week paid radio trainee scheme developing audio production skills. Recipients work across a range of live radio programmes on Asian Network, Radio 1 and Radio 1Xtra working with broadcast, podcast and social media teams to develop their skills. Applications are open annually via the BBC Careers website.
BBC Young Composer
BBC Young Composer creates opportunities and resources for 12 to 18 year-olds across the UK who make their own original music, holding a nationwide competition every other year. Winners participate in a tailored development programme working with a mentor composer on a project with the BBC Concert Orchestra, culminating in a performance or broadcast opportunity. Applications are open biennially with full details on the BBC Young Composer website.
New Generation Thinkers
Offering the UK’s most promising arts and humanities early career researchers the opportunity to share their pioneering research with BBC Radio 4 listeners along with unique access to training and support from AHRC and the BBC. Applications open yearly via the UK Research and Innovation website.
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