FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
APPLICATION GUIDANCE
1. WHAT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME OR LEVEL SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
We recommend you spend time looking at the information about all the schemes on offer to help you decide. Our advanced apprenticeships are aimed at non-graduates. If you have a degree, extensive experience in an area or have previously completed an apprenticeship programme, please check out our higher level apprenticeships.
Each apprenticeship has different eligibility criteria, please read the job advert for details of the specific eligibility requirements before you apply. You must be 18 or over at the start of the scheme and eligible to work in the UK.
1. WHAT APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME OR LEVEL SHOULD I APPLY FOR?
We recommend you spend time looking at the information about all the schemes on offer to help you decide. Our advanced apprenticeships are aimed at non-graduates. If you have a degree, extensive experience in an area or have previously completed an apprenticeship programme, please check out our higher level apprenticeships.
Each apprenticeship has different eligibility criteria, please read the job advert for details of the specific eligibility requirements before you apply. You must be 18 or over at the start of the scheme and eligible to work in the UK.
2. DO ALL SCHEMES HAVE A DEADLINE?
Yes, all schemes have a closing date which will be clearly written on the job advert. Our schemes are open for applications for several weeks. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible as we do receive large volumes of applications. Make sure you double-check everything before you press submit. We cannot accept applications once the closing date has passed.
2. DO ALL SCHEMES HAVE A DEADLINE?
Yes, all schemes have a closing date which will be clearly written on the job advert. Our schemes are open for applications for several weeks. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible as we do receive large volumes of applications. Make sure you double-check everything before you press submit. We cannot accept applications once the closing date has passed.
3. CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE LOCATION?
Most schemes will have individual job adverts for the each of the locations that you can join. You are able to apply for only one location per scheme however, you can add a comment in your application if you would be considered for additional locations. It will vary from scheme to scheme as to whether this is feasible. You must be able to commute easily to the location/office you choose.
3. CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE LOCATION?
Most schemes will have individual job adverts for the each of the locations that you can join. You are able to apply for only one location per scheme however, you can add a comment in your application if you would be considered for additional locations. It will vary from scheme to scheme as to whether this is feasible. You must be able to commute easily to the location/office you choose.
4. CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE SCHEME?
We don't recommend you apply for multiple apprenticeship schemes in any one year. It is better to focus on the specific apprenticeship you feel most excited about so you can demonstrate your passion for the role. However, if you think you can show us your motivation for more than one scheme, and you fit the eligibility criteria for both, then you are able to. You are only able to submit one application per scheme for each intake year.
4. CAN I APPLY TO MORE THAN ONE SCHEME?
We don't recommend you apply for multiple apprenticeship schemes in any one year. It is better to focus on the specific apprenticeship you feel most excited about so you can demonstrate your passion for the role. However, if you think you can show us your motivation for more than one scheme, and you fit the eligibility criteria for both, then you are able to. You are only able to submit one application per scheme for each intake year.
5. CAN I CHANGE THE SCHEME THAT I HAVE APPLIED TO?
Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria and set of questions so changing schemes isn’t always possible. We would encourage you to read all the relevant information first before applying. While schemes are still open for applications, you are able to withdraw your application from one scheme and apply for a different one.
5. CAN I CHANGE THE SCHEME THAT I HAVE APPLIED TO?
Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria and set of questions so changing schemes isn’t always possible. We would encourage you to read all the relevant information first before applying. While schemes are still open for applications, you are able to withdraw your application from one scheme and apply for a different one.
6. CAN I RE-APPLY TO THE SAME SCHEME THE FOLLOWING YEAR IF I WASN’T SUCCESSFUL THE FIRST TIME?
Yes! Many of our apprentices were successful on their second or third attempt. You can learn a lot from going through the assessment process and improve each time. It shows us your determination and tenacity.
6. CAN I RE-APPLY TO THE SAME SCHEME THE FOLLOWING YEAR IF I WASN’T SUCCESSFUL THE FIRST TIME?
Yes! Many of our apprentices were successful on their second or third attempt. You can learn a lot from going through the assessment process and improve each time. It shows us your determination and tenacity.
7. WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU PROVIDE TO CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES?
We are proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and if you require adjustments in order to submit your application or to interview for a role with the BBC, please contact us at earlycareersrecruitment@bbc.co.uk with the Apprenticeship scheme name in the subject, and let us know what adjustments you need.
We'd be happy to have a conversation in confidence to discuss how we can support you through the process, as there are a number of different ways we can accept an application and/or adapt our selection processes.
7. WHAT SUPPORT DO YOU PROVIDE TO CANDIDATES WITH DISABILITIES?
We are proud to be a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and if you require adjustments in order to submit your application or to interview for a role with the BBC, please contact us at earlycareersrecruitment@bbc.co.uk with the Apprenticeship scheme name in the subject, and let us know what adjustments you need.
We'd be happy to have a conversation in confidence to discuss how we can support you through the process, as there are a number of different ways we can accept an application and/or adapt our selection processes.
8. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS’ OR ‘ADJUSTMENTS’?
A ‘reasonable adjustment’ (and ‘adjustment’ when used here) is the term used to describe the changes that organisations and people providing services or public functions will make for you if your disability, impairment or condition puts you at a disadvantage. For example, you might need more time for certain parts of the application or assessment, interview questions in advance, or a British Sign Language interpreter. We can make adjustments such as subtitles over Zoom, provide British Sign Language or allow you extra time – whatever is the appropriate adjustment for your needs. Let’s have a chat and get the best adjustment for you in place.
8. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS’ OR ‘ADJUSTMENTS’?
A ‘reasonable adjustment’ (and ‘adjustment’ when used here) is the term used to describe the changes that organisations and people providing services or public functions will make for you if your disability, impairment or condition puts you at a disadvantage. For example, you might need more time for certain parts of the application or assessment, interview questions in advance, or a British Sign Language interpreter. We can make adjustments such as subtitles over Zoom, provide British Sign Language or allow you extra time – whatever is the appropriate adjustment for your needs. Let’s have a chat and get the best adjustment for you in place.
ELIGIBILITY
ELIGIBILITY
9. WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH SCHEME?
Each scheme has different requirements. You can find information about the specific requirements for each scheme in the job adverts. Look at the section which outlines what we are looking for and check whether you meet the criteria. If so, click on ‘Apply’.
9. WHAT ARE THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH SCHEME?
Each scheme has different requirements. You can find information about the specific requirements for each scheme in the job adverts. Look at the section which outlines what we are looking for and check whether you meet the criteria. If so, click on ‘Apply’.
10. CAN I APPLY IF I'M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
You must have the legal right to work within the UK full time and have been a resident in either the UK or EEA for a minimum of 3 years before the scheme start date. You can check www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk to see which documents give you the legal right to work in the UK. Please be advised that a National Insurance Number does not prove the right to work in the UK. For schemes in Guernsey, candidates must be entitled to live and work in Guernsey according to local population laws. For schemes in Jersey, candidates must be entitled to live and work in Jersey, according to local population laws. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the right to work before submitting an application. We cannot progress your application if you do not have the appropriate right to work documents. Please note the BBC is unable to provide sponsorship for BBC early careers roles.
10. CAN I APPLY IF I'M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
You must have the legal right to work within the UK full time and have been a resident in either the UK or EEA for a minimum of 3 years before the scheme start date. You can check www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk to see which documents give you the legal right to work in the UK. Please be advised that a National Insurance Number does not prove the right to work in the UK. For schemes in Guernsey, candidates must be entitled to live and work in Guernsey according to local population laws. For schemes in Jersey, candidates must be entitled to live and work in Jersey, according to local population laws. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the right to work before submitting an application. We cannot progress your application if you do not have the appropriate right to work documents. Please note the BBC is unable to provide sponsorship for BBC early careers roles.
11. HOW MANY YEARS MINIMUM DO I NEED TO BE IN THE UK BEFORE I APPLY?
For apprenticeship schemes in England, you have to be resident in either the UK or EEA for three years before the scheme start date (not applicable for Scotland & Wales or individuals under the statuses within EP350 such as Homes for Ukraine).
11. HOW MANY YEARS MINIMUM DO I NEED TO BE IN THE UK BEFORE I APPLY?
For apprenticeship schemes in England, you have to be resident in either the UK or EEA for three years before the scheme start date (not applicable for Scotland & Wales or individuals under the statuses within EP350 such as Homes for Ukraine).
ASSESSMENT STAGES
ASSESSMENT STAGES
12. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOVE BETWEEN EACH STAGE OF THE APPLICATION?
This will vary depending on the scheme, but due to the large volume of applications, it can take some time to complete the process. You will be kept informed at each stage of the process and we will share dates as soon as we’re able to.
12. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO MOVE BETWEEN EACH STAGE OF THE APPLICATION?
This will vary depending on the scheme, but due to the large volume of applications, it can take some time to complete the process. You will be kept informed at each stage of the process and we will share dates as soon as we’re able to.
13. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENTS OR PRE-ASSESSMENT TASK?
Timelines will vary, but the deadline for completing any tasks will be sent out with the task instructions. We recommend not leaving it until the last minute in case there are any technical issues.
13. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENTS OR PRE-ASSESSMENT TASK?
Timelines will vary, but the deadline for completing any tasks will be sent out with the task instructions. We recommend not leaving it until the last minute in case there are any technical issues.
14. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAR IF I'M SUCCESSFUL OR NOT?
This will vary depending on the scheme and the number of roles we are assessing candidates for. At the assessment centre and interview stage, you will be given further information on timescales.
14. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAR IF I'M SUCCESSFUL OR NOT?
This will vary depending on the scheme and the number of roles we are assessing candidates for. At the assessment centre and interview stage, you will be given further information on timescales.
15. DO ALL THE SCHEMES HAVE A PRE-ASSESSMENT TASK?
No, not all apprenticeship schemes have a task to complete before the assessment centre, it varies according to each role. Some apprenticeship schemes may have online assessments during the application process. You will be guided through these as the process moves forward and we will let you know key timelines. For more information, learn more about our application process.
15. DO ALL THE SCHEMES HAVE A PRE-ASSESSMENT TASK?
No, not all apprenticeship schemes have a task to complete before the assessment centre, it varies according to each role. Some apprenticeship schemes may have online assessments during the application process. You will be guided through these as the process moves forward and we will let you know key timelines. For more information, learn more about our application process.
16. DO WE GET FEEDBACK AFTER EACH STAGE OF THE PROCESS?
If you are taken forward to one of our assessment centres or to the interview stage, then you will have the opportunity to request feedback regardless of whether you were successful or not. For many of our online assessments, you will also be provided with a feedback report. We are unable to share feedback for other stages of our process due to the large volume of applications we receive.
16. DO WE GET FEEDBACK AFTER EACH STAGE OF THE PROCESS?
If you are taken forward to one of our assessment centres or to the interview stage, then you will have the opportunity to request feedback regardless of whether you were successful or not. For many of our online assessments, you will also be provided with a feedback report. We are unable to share feedback for other stages of our process due to the large volume of applications we receive.
