GAELIC MEDIA APPRENTICESHIP OPENS FOR APPLICATIONS
Applications from aspiring media professionals are now being accepted for the next BBC Gaelic Apprenticeship programme.
Operated by BBC Scotland and Glasgow Kelvin College – and supported by MG ALBA, the Gaelic Media Service – the 2017/2018 course will be the second time the Gaelic apprenticeship has been offered alongside the BBC Scotland apprenticeship, which is about to enter its seventh programme.
The successful candidate will be supported by MG ALBA and will have the opportunity to work across Gaelic platforms such as BBC ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.
In doing so, the candidate will have the chance to gain experience in many of the departments providing content to the channel, including children’s, news-gathering, factual and sport.
With BBC ALBA also accounting for around 50% of the total programme making output from Scotland’s independent production sector, there will also be the opportunity for the apprentice to spend time working with a number of the channel’s independent programme suppliers.
The busy schedule will also see apprentices spending two days per month at Glasgow Kelvin College learning many of the technical and vocational skills they might require in the broadcast media industry, as well as personal development and core skills.
There will also be the opportunity for the apprentice to spend time on placement at the Creative Industries Media Centre in Stornoway – home of MG ALBA and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal.
Calum Ferguson has been undertaking the BBC Gaelic Apprenticeship since September, the first person to do so. Calum has gained a wealth of experience, spending placements with leading independent companies such as Bees Nees Media, as well as time within various BBC departments. In the near future, Calum has placements organised with BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
Calum said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on BBC Scotland’s Gaelic apprenticeship scheme. I have experienced an incredible range of opportunities in such a short period of time and I am looking forward to the rest of my time here. It is a unique chance for keen young Gaelic speakers and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
In addition to the Gaelic apprenticeship, 10 BBC Scotland apprenticeships are also available and by September this year, 61 young people will have already completed this exciting apprenticeship over the previous six programmes. The apprenticeship has provided a springboard to careers in TV production and journalism, with some of the former young students going onto degrees in higher education and others moving onto further work at the BBC or other media production organisations.
Iseabail Mactaggart, Director of Strategy and Partnership at MG ALBA, said: “This is our second year of supporting a Gaelic apprenticeship within the BBC Scotland apprenticeship programme and we are pleased once again to enable training for the next generation of media professionals.
“The apprenticeship provides an excellent route into the industry and the successful candidate will learn skills across a wide range of departments, helping to produce a well-rounded professional by the conclusion of the course.”
To apply for the apprenticeship, visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/careers. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 18 April 2017.
