Engineer

Broadcast or 'transmission' engineers make sure that television and radio programmes are broadcast at the right times and to the highest quality.

They work on studio and outside broadcasts ('OBs'), post-production operations, and new media such as interactive TV and webcasts.

They can be directly involved in broadcasting or might focus on servicing the equipment.

They work as part of a team that can also include producers, studio managers and presenters.

An engineer's key tasks can include: setting up studio equipment for transmission and editing; designing and setting up audio and video circuits; installing multimedia hardware, software and other broadcast technology systems.

Other tasks include: setting up and operating links between studios and OB units; testing and servicing equipment; finding and repairing technical faults as quickly as possible, with minimum loss of service; and working with analogue and digital systems.

Starting salaries for trainees can be around £18,000 a year.

With experience, this can rise to between £30,000 and £40,000 a year.

You will usually get into broadcast engineering through a broadcasting company's new entrant training scheme. For this, you will typically need a BTEC HNC, HND or degree in electrical, electronic or broadcast engineering.

Some companies may accept you with A levels or similar qualifications in science or design technology. IT and physics qualifications are also a good route into higher level qualifications.  Applied Maths is an essential part of Broadcast Engineering.

If you do not have an engineering-related degree, you will need to show that you have a strong interest in technology and aptitude for the work. 

Alternatively, you may be able to find work as a runner or assistant at a TV station, and later get a place on an in-house engineering training scheme.

Competition for places on training schemes is strong, and you will increase your chances if you can gain practical experience in using broadcast technology equipment.

You could get this through student film and TV productions, community or hospital radio or work experience placements with broadcasters.

If you do not start through a training scheme, you will need experience in maintaining and repairing electronic equipment, and you should be familiar with broadcast technology.

It would be helpful to have NVQs or other qualifications in electronic or electrical engineering.