Broadcast engineer

Broadcast engineering

Broadcast engineers work with hardware and systems used across media such as TV and radio. They ensure shows are high quality and on time.

What do broadcast engineers do?

As a broadcast engineer your day can be varied, depending on what media field you work in you could be servicing or repairing equipment for its next use on set. Or possibly setting up equipment in the studio ready for filming or recording. If working on a live show you may have to edit programmes as they are being recorded. You may have to install broadcast software for use on set. As programmes are being recorded you may have to monitor the link between equipment in different locations.

What makes broadcast engineering different?

You get to work with high end audio visual technology. When working on set recording you will be in an environment not usually seen by the public. You will help ensure recording and equipment setup runs smoothly. You may not always be working in the studio on set, sometimes you may have to travel to a new location to setup for filming, this may mean spending time outdoors if that is where a show is being recorded.

Factfile

Average starting salary (graduate): £20,000
Example job titles: Broadcast engineer, systems engineers, project engineer, operations engineer
Desirable skills: Maths and media knowledge, teamwork skills, IT skills, knowledge of broadcast software and hardware
Useful subjects: Maths, science, physics, computer science

Working life

What is it like being a broadcast engineer?

As a broadcast engineer you could be working on a variety of programmes using a mix of different equipment and software. Your work schedule may change at short notice meaning you have to work long hours without much notice, especially if you are working on live programming. You may not always work in the same location or studio; it will depend on the programmes you are involved in. As a broadcast engineer your working hours can be long, you’ll work in shifts, and you may regularly have to work on both weekends and evenings.

How do broadcast engineers contribute to society?

Broadcast engineers work in the entertainment industry and as such their work has a big impact on the public's free time as TV, radio and new media are all very popular. Certain programmes that you work on may be a great source of enjoyment, however you could also be involved in setting up the set of more serious broadcasts such as news updates, ensuring the public get urgent information in a timely and high quality manner.

Jahangir Shah

Broadcast Hero

I was always fascinated by TV and what went on behind the scenes, now I make sure that all the equipment works so a show stays on air.

Read Jahangir's story

Future

Where could broadcast engineering take me?

With experience you could eventually specialise in a certain type of equipment or area within the broadcast industry. Another option after gaining experience is to work for yourself (freelance), this would require networking with colleagues and keeping up to date with changes in industry to give yourself the best chance to win work or clients.

Become a broadcast engineer

Routes into this job:

Training scheme
University
Apprenticeship
Degree apprenticeship

What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast engineer?

You could choose to do a degree in subjects like broadcast engineering or broadcast technology.

Another popular route into a career as a broadcast engineer is through a company such as BBC, Channel 4, ITV or Sky. These broadcast companies offer a range of training schemes, experience opportunities, apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships.

Volunteering and work experience are also a really great way of getting your foot in the door of this industry. It will give you a fantastic chance to gain valuable experience and a chance to network with other likeminded people.