Engineering design

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

For 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

For 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

For 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 and work experience

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.

View all vacancies in this region

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.