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A broadcast engineer ensures that radio, television, and other broadcast signals are delivered clearly and reliably to audiences. This career involves setting up, operating, maintaining, and repairing the technical equipment used in studios and on location. Broadcast engineers are responsible for the sound and picture quality of broadcasts, working closely with production teams to solve technical issues quickly, especially during live programmes. They also play a key role in upgrading and testing new technology as the industry moves towards digital and online broadcasting. The job can be fast‑paced and requires good problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
The average salary for a broadcast engineer in the UK ranges from £25,000 to £45,000 per year, with experienced engineers earning up to £60,000.
Job Openings
There are approximately 3,000 broadcast engineering positions across the UK, with demand highest in London and major cities.
Typical Working Hours
Broadcast engineers often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to cover live events and scheduled broadcasts.
🚀 Careers in this path
Specialises in setting up, operating, and maintaining the audio equipment used in radio and television broadcasts.
Focuses on providing technical support and equipment operation for live events and broadcasts that happen outside of the studio, such as sporting events and concerts.
Works on the computer networks and software systems that support digital broadcasting, ensuring smooth transmission and storage of media content.
Get Qualified in Relevant Subjects
Study Maths and Science at School
Focus on subjects like maths, physics, and computing at GCSE and A Level, as these build a strong foundation for the technical aspects of broadcast engineering.
Broadcasters look for candidates who can demonstrate good problem‑solving and analytical skills. Studying maths and science will help you develop the logical thinking required to understand broadcasting equipment and signal flow. Computing can also be helpful, as modern broadcasting increasingly uses digital technology.
Pursue a Relevant Degree or Apprenticeship
Apply for a degree in broadcast engineering, electronic engineering, media technology, or a related subject. Alternatively, consider a higher apprenticeship in broadcast and media systems.
Universities across the UK offer degrees that specialise in broadcasting technology. Apprenticeships are also a great way to gain hands‑on experience while studying. Look for schemes run by broadcasters such as the BBC or ITV, which combine on‑the‑job training with classroom learning.
Gain Practical Experience
Take Up Industry Placements or Internships
Apply for placements, internships, or work experience opportunities with broadcasters, production companies, or radio stations.
Placements provide valuable insight into the working environment and the specific technologies used in broadcasting. You will learn how live broadcasts are managed and gain hands‑on experience with technical equipment, such as cameras, mixing desks, and transmission systems.
Participate in Student Media or Community Projects
Get involved with your university’s student radio or TV station, or volunteer with local community media projects.
These opportunities allow you to develop practical skills in a less pressured environment. You can try out different technical roles, learn how to resolve issues quickly, and build a portfolio of work to show prospective employers.
Start Your Career and Progress
Apply for Entry‑Level Broadcast Engineering Roles
Look for roles such as broadcast engineering assistant, junior broadcast engineer, or technical operator with broadcasters or facilities companies.
Entry‑level positions give you the chance to support senior engineers, set up and test equipment, and get involved in live broadcasts. Employers include major broadcasters, independent production houses, and outside broadcast companies.
Continue Professional Development
Stay up to date with the latest technology by attending industry events, gaining professional certifications, and joining industry bodies like the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Broadcasting technology evolves rapidly, so ongoing learning is important. Industry events and courses can help you specialise in areas such as IP‑based broadcasting, sound engineering, or video transmission. Membership in professional bodies can also provide networking opportunities and access to job boards.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Broadcast Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands‑on experience and training while earning a wage.
Broadcast and Communications Technical Operator
Supporting the delivery of broadcast and communication services.
Broadcast and Media Systems Technician
Ensure the reliability and integrity of broadcast and media systems critical to the delivery of TV, radio and online services; in a broadcast industry.
Post Production Technical Operator
Providing support, assistance and delivery within the technical support operation of a post‑production company.
Enable creative individuals in the film and television sector to be able to produce high quality content.
Provide a broad range of professional solutions for communication.
Sample Qualifications
The closest match is ‘Broadcast engineer’ itself, as both involve the technical planning, installation, operation, and maintenance of broadcast equipment and systems. This role requires specialised knowledge of audio‑visual technology, signal flow, and broadcasting standards, aligning directly with the qualifications typically associated with broadcast engineering.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
* a university course
* a college course
* working towards this role
University
You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme. Useful subjects include:
* 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
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to a company to do an apprenticeship, such as a:
* Broadcast and Media Systems Technical Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
* Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
These can take between 2 and 3 years and combine on‑the‑job training and time spent with a learning provider.
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
You could start work as a production assistant and apply for a place on an engineer training scheme once you have some experience.
Another option is to begin as a broadcast technician, for example after an apprenticeship, and do further training on the job to become an engineer.
You’ll find it useful to get practical experience using broadcasting equipment as there is a lot of competition for places on training schemes.
You could get experience through:
* student film and TV productions
* community or hospital radio
* work placements with a broadcaster
Other Routes
If you already work for a broadcast company in a different 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
Further information
You can find out more about working in broadcasting from:
You can also get information about working in broadcast media from ScreenSkills.
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