Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator

On a broadcast and media systems technical operator apprenticeship course, you’ll help support delivering broadcast and communication services.

A broadcast and media systems technical operator contributes to delivering broadcast and communication services, such as television or radio programming, podcasts, internet streaming services, pay-per-view or downloadable content.

You’ll work as part of a team to help both the production crew and the broadcast and media systems technicians and engineers maintain studio and online broadcast services and transmissions regularly while not interfering with live broadcasts.

Your workplace may be in a broadcast or operations centre, a TV or radio studio, an outside broadcast operation, at a client’s location, or outside on transmission sites.

You must ensure that working environments and places are safe, that specific hazards are identified and recorded, and that all required equipment is safe to use on and off.

What you’ll learn

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

• Prepare and build the agreed-upon technical setup for live or recorded programmes, including video and audio equipment, broadcast systems, and networks.
• Use industry-specific software and hardware, and follow industry-specified sound and video workflow transmission protocols.
• Use proper techniques to assess the broadcast suitability of the content, such as subtitles or audio description.
• Verify compliance with OFCOM standards and recommendations by monitoring channel outputs for quality and service continuity.
• Communicate problem issues to colleagues, customers, and suppliers promptly and consistently, escalating as required to management.
• Implement incident control methods and complete incident control reports per organisational procedures.
• Collaborate with broadcast technicians and engineers to restore and sustain service once it has been interrupted.
• Implement agreed-upon processes and track service work in line with service agreements.
• Work well both as an individual and as a member of a team.
• Maintain professional relationships with colleagues, customers, and vendors.
• Work accurately and with a keen eye for detail.
• Ensure that all health and safety standards and regulations are followed at all times, including electrical safety procedures, and that any health and safety incidents or hazards are reported to the appropriate persons.
• Protect people, information, and organisational assets, and maintain a secure working environment in line with corporate standards.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths, for an advanced 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 two distinct assessment methods: 

• Observation 
• Professional Discussion 

Duration, level, subjects and potential salary upon completion

Apprenticeship standard

More information about the Level 3 Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator 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.