Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer

On a broadcast and media systems engineer apprenticeship course, you’ll help ensure that content is broadcast and delivered on time and to the highest level of quality.

A broadcast and media systems engineer brings our favourite television and radio shows to us wherever and whenever we want to view them. 

These engineers are critical to transferring information from the production studio to the home screen, radio, or streaming device.

As an apprentice, you will not be expected to manage or produce a programme on a technical level. Still, you will be responsible for ensuring that content is aired and delivered on time and to the highest quality possible.

You’ll learn how to set up and design system infrastructure, identify and resolve faults, ensure the reliability and integrity of broadcast and communication systems, and ensure that services are always available to end users while maintaining the security and quality of media content delivered.

Typically, you will be employed by a broadcaster, work in a broadcast or operations centre, and interact with production studios, production companies, and live event operators.

You will get a degree in broadcast and communications engineering or technology.

What you’ll learn

On a broadcast and media systems engineer apprenticeship course, you’ll learn to:

• Operate and maintain technical broadcast or networking systems in accordance with specified processes to guarantee continuous service in accordance with service level agreements.
• Use suitable tools and methods, apply a rational, organised approach to discovering, isolating, and diagnosing underlying causes, addressing technical issues and fixing malfunctions on broadcast systems and networks.
• Utilise software to monitor and maintain broadcast and network systems’ availability, analyse data, and respond to any problems that arise.
• Use and maintain mobile and stationary test and measurement equipment, such as analysers, and act on the findings.
• Assist current and new installations by using technical knowledge sources.
• Maintain individual and group health and safety by adhering to your organisation’s rules and procedures.
• Determine the cables, connections, and components needed for the necessary frequencies or data rates.
• Install and commission broadcast and network systems, provide necessary technical documentation, and pass them over to users to ensure comprehension.
• Communicate effectively and succinctly both orally and in writing, keeping the audience in mind and the potential influence on business relationships.
• As needed, provide technical assistance and advice.
• Maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or more A levels, or equivalent, including maths and science, for a higher or degree apprenticeship.
• Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this before taking the end-point assessment.

Assessment methods

The End Point Assessment comprises three distinct assessment methods: 

• Knowledge Test 
• Presentation 
• Professional Discussion

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 6 Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Apprenticeship standard can be found here.

Apprenticeship end point assessment

For more information about the End Point Assessment Process, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.