All Job Categories
Broadcast engineer
Broadcast engineers make sure programmes are shown at the right times and are high quality.
Average salary (a year)
£20000
Starter
£50000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; volunteering; a training scheme
University
You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme. Useful subjects include
broadcast engineering, broadcast technology, electronics, physics, computer science
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You may be able to get into broadcast engineering after doing a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could get started by doing an apprenticeship such as a
broadcast and media systems technical operator advanced apprenticeship, broadcast and media systems engineer degree apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start work as a production assistant and later apply for a place on an engineer training scheme.
Another option is to begin as a broadcast technician, for example after an apprenticeship. You'd then train more on the job to become an engineer.
Volunteering
You'll find it useful to get practical experience using broadcasting equipment because there is a lot of competition for places on training schemes.
You could get experience on a
student film and TV production, community or hospital radio, work placement with a broadcaster
Other Routes
If you already work for a broadcast company in another role, you might be able to start an engineering training scheme with the company you work for, like the BBC's degree apprenticeship.
More Information
Professional And Industry Bodies
You can apply for professional registration with the Engineering Council.
You might increase your career opportunities if you register.
Further Information
You can find out more about working in broadcasting from:BBC careers, 4 Careers, ITV Careers, Sky Careers
You can get information on working in media and creative careers from ScreenSkills and Discover Creative Careers.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    The ability to work well with others
    Broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
    The ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    To be flexible and open to change
    Knowledge of maths
    Knowledge of media production and communication
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
You could
set up studio equipment, install multimedia hardware, software and digital broadcast technology systems, set up and operate links between studios and outside broadcast (OB) units, edit programmes live as they’re being transmitted or recorded, test and service equipment, including repairing faults
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could specialise in working with specific types of equipment, such as digital, cable or satellite.
Many engineers work freelance so networking and keeping up to date with changes in the industry is really important to win clients.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
Powered by
Claim your school or college profile