The BBC is currently promoting three trainee opportunities that offer early-career pathways into journalism and music broadcasting. Each scheme is designed to widen access, develop practical skills and provide paid, structured experience within one of the world’s leading public service broadcasters.
Future Voices: Trainee Journalism Scheme 2026 (EXTEND)
This short-term journalism placement is aimed at aspiring reporters seeking their first professional newsroom experience. Running for three months (April–July 2026) and based in London, the scheme offers hands-on training across core journalistic disciplines. Trainees gain exposure to researching, writing and producing stories while working alongside BBC News teams. The programme is paid (£22,950 pro rata, plus London Living Allowance) and is designed to build confidence, newsroom awareness and editorial judgement in a fast-paced environment. It particularly supports under-represented talent through the BBC’s EXTEND initiative, helping participants develop industry contacts and practical broadcast skills in a supportive setting.
BBC Open Music Trainee – Radio and Live Events Production
This six-month development scheme focuses on music broadcasting, offering emerging creatives insight into radio and live performance production. Open to applicants across the UK, it combines training in London and Salford with travel support where needed. Trainees participate in 20 paid development days spread across the programme, blending masterclasses, mentoring and hands-on production experience. Opportunities include working with BBC Radio 3, the Proms and the BBC Concert Orchestra, as well as learning how music programmes and live events are created for broadcast. With a salary of £25,000 pro rata, the scheme is designed to nurture new voices in classical and orchestral music media, encouraging collaboration, technical learning and professional networking.
BBC Open Music Trainee – Technical Production
Running alongside the editorial pathway, the Technical Production strand targets those interested in sound engineering and broadcast technology. Participants receive structured training in audio capture, sound design and studio engineering within music and live event contexts. Like the Radio and Live Events route, trainees complete 20 paid training days over six months, supported by BBC mentors and specialist production staff. The programme offers practical experience in recording concerts, managing live sound and understanding the technical infrastructure behind major music broadcasts. It is particularly suited to individuals seeking entry into audio engineering or technical production roles within radio and live performance environments.
Widening access to BBC careers
Collectively, these trainee opportunities reflect the BBC’s wider commitment to early-career development across journalism, production and technical disciplines. Early careers schemes are designed to provide paid training, recognised experience and industry exposure while supporting applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Whether reporting the news or producing world-class music output, these programmes provide a structured first step into broadcasting. For newsletter readers considering media careers, they represent accessible, paid entry routes with strong mentoring, practical training and clear progression pathways within the BBC.
