Broadcast engineer
Broadcast engineers make sure programmes are shown at the right times, go out without issues and are of the best quality.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a broadcast engineer, you could:
- set up and test studio equipment
- install multimedia hardware, software and digital broadcast technology
- operate links between studios and outside broadcast (OB) units
- edit programmes live as they’re being transmitted or recorded
- respond to technical issues and fix them
- service and maintain equipment
Working environment
You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a workshop.
Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.
Career path and progression
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.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others
- broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of maths
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- a training scheme
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
More Information
You may be able to find a trainee position in 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
More Information
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
More Information
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
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.
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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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.