You’re hired... BBC in Apprentice Hub launch
THEY are the words hundreds of new apprentices have been waiting to hear after the BBC launched a new training hub in Birmingham... you’re hired.
The BBC is opening up opportunities for young people in media with a city base, following a long-running campaign for more investment in the region.
Two hundred new apprentices started with the Corporation on January 17 in a variety of production, journalism, technology and business support roles. They will each receive training and on-the-job experience.
The BBC, which has been condemned for its poor spending record in the Midlands, is launching the hub in Birmingham to place apprentices with employers in the local creative sector.
It will part-fund the apprenticeships while Google will pay training costs for trainees placed in local organisations.
The BBC said it aimed to double its commitment to apprenticeships and have 1,000 apprentices by 2026.
Lord Sugar, the star of BBC One’s The Apprentice, is backing the push.
He said: “These are great opportunities for people to get world-class training and progress their careers. And the good news is you don’t have to face me in the boardroom but you do have to be ambitious and want a career in the creative industries.
“The BBC’s Apprentice Hub in Birmingham will develop the kind of skills that are much needed in the creative sector in the city and the wider region. I’d urge employers to get involved.”
The hub will place up to 50 apprentices with local small and medium-sized employers in the creative sector.
They will get receive experience and training from leading learning providers.
Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, said: “The creative sector is growing. That’s great news for the West Midlands where there are real opportunities.
“I’m pleased to welcome into the BBC, 200 apprentices who started last week. I’m thrilled we’re going to be working with employers across the Midlands. It’s an exciting time.”
The BBC is working with Create Central, the West Midlands’ creative development agency, to find employers to take on apprentices.
Ed Shedd, chair of Create Central, said, “As one of the youngest, most diverse regions in Europe, the West Midlands is full of talented people with stories to tell and a desire to explore all forms of content creation to tell them. At Create Central, we are determined to make sure they get that opportunity. The BBC Apprentice Hub is a great step forward in addressing industry’s needs. We are delighted to be working with the BBC to ensure that
local creative businesses in the West Midlands understand the benefits and step up to take part.”
Ronan Harris, boss of Google UK & Ireland said: “Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to learn new skills to grow your career.
“Through this partnership with the BBC Apprentice Hub we hope to help people across the West Midlands get access to quality training and jobs in the creative sector, and support local SMEs to find diverse new talent and grow.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: “Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, it is fantastic to see the BBC leading the way and supporting more people to earn while they learn so they can secure exciting careers within the creative sector.
“The new training hub will open up even more opportunities for people to gain the experience and knowledge they need to get the job they want, while delivering the skills employers across the West Midlands need for the future.”