Broadcast engineers are responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining the technical equipment used to transmit radio, television, and online broadcasts. Their work ensures that audio and video signals are transmitted clearly and reliably to audiences. This career requires a strong understanding of electronics, IT, and broadcast technology, as well as excellent problem-solving skills. Broadcast engineers often work in TV and radio studios, but may also be required to travel to outside broadcast locations for live events. Daily tasks can include testing and repairing equipment, managing signal quality, and supporting production teams during broadcasts. As technology evolves, broadcast engineers increasingly work with digital and online streaming platforms in addition to traditional broadcast systems.
Broadcast engineers in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced professionals in senior roles earning up to £60,000.
There are around 3,000 to 4,000 broadcast engineering positions across the UK, with opportunities in both public and private sector media organisations.
Broadcast engineers often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, especially during live broadcasts and outside events.
Specialises in the technical aspects of radio broadcasting, including setting up studio equipment, maintaining transmitters, and ensuring smooth audio transmission.
Focuses on providing technical support for live events and broadcasts that take place outside of traditional studios, such as sports matches and concerts.
Responsible for the regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of broadcast equipment and systems within a television or radio studio environment.
Focus on achieving strong grades in subjects such as Maths, Physics, and IT at GCSE level.
These subjects provide a solid grounding in the scientific and technical principles that underpin broadcast engineering. Good results will also help you progress to relevant further study options.
Select A Levels or equivalent qualifications (such as BTECs) in subjects like Physics, Maths, Electronics, or Computing.
These courses deepen your understanding of electronics, systems, and technology, all of which are essential for a broadcast engineer. Vocational qualifications like a BTEC in Engineering or IT can also be valuable.
Pursue a degree in Broadcast Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Audio Technology, or a related field, or apply for a higher/degree apprenticeship in broadcast or media technology.
A degree provides comprehensive technical knowledge and may include work placements in the industry. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and the chance to earn while you learn, which can be attractive to employers.
Take part in student media, volunteering, or internships to build practical experience with broadcast equipment and software.
Hands-on experience with cameras, sound desks, transmission equipment, and editing suites is highly valued. Many universities and colleges have radio or TV stations where you can practise your skills.
Look for positions such as Broadcast Technician, Junior Engineer, or Trainee Engineer at broadcasters, production companies, or media facilities.
Entry roles allow you to learn from experienced engineers and develop your skills further. Be prepared to start with shift work or unsociable hours, especially during live broadcasts.
Join professional bodies like the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Society of Broadcast Engineers, and keep up to date with new technology.
Ongoing learning is essential as broadcast technology evolves rapidly. Professional bodies offer training, networking opportunities, and may help you gain chartered status in the long term.
Sound engineers manage and operate the audio aspects of broadcasts, live events, and studio recordings, ensuring high-quality sound for listeners and viewers.
Video editors work with recorded footage, assembling and editing content for television, film, or online platforms, often collaborating closely with broadcast engineers.
IT support technicians provide technical assistance for computer systems and networks, including those used in broadcasting environments.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Broadcast Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.
Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.
These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!
The closest match is 'Broadcast engineer' itself, as it directly describes the same profession. It involves specialised knowledge of broadcast technology, equipment, and systems dedicated to transmitting audio and video content, which aligns precisely with the job title.
You can get into this job through:
You'll need a degree to apply for a graduate training scheme. Useful subjects include:
You'll usually need:
You may be able to find a trainee position in broadcast engineering after doing a T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production.
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
You could apply to a company to do an apprenticeship, such as a:
These can take between 2 and 3 years and combine on-the-job training and time spent with a learning provider.
You'll usually need:
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:
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.
You can find out more about working in broadcasting from:
You can also get information about working in broadcast media from ScreenSkills.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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