Early career production schemes
Our schemes to kick start careers behind the scenes and grow the next generation of industry talent
Already work in the production industry but want to boost your career? Find schemes to develop your skills
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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