You could do a higher national diploma or degree in radio or broadcast media production, though this is not essential.

Degree courses that include practical broadcasting experience through industry placements or internships may give you an advantage. You could also volunteer to work on your university radio station during your degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

You could do a college course, which would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to get a trainee position. 

Courses include:

• creative media production and technology
• sound engineering
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

You can apply to do a Broadcast Production Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This will help you to develop the skills needed to find work in radio, or the media industry more generally.

The apprenticeship can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training with off-site learning.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

Competition for jobs is strong. Employers will expect you to have practical experience and be able to show you have a real enthusiasm for radio broadcasting.

You can get useful work experience through:

• community, hospital or student radio
• volunteer placements with radio stations

You can get a list of radio stations from:

• Community Media Association
• RadioCentre
• Hospital Broadcasting Association

You can also apply for BBC taster days and work experience placements.

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work well with others
• concentration skills
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As a radio broadcast assistant, you could:

• research topics, material and guests for programmes
• book studio time, equipment and guests
• produce programme logs and running orders for shows
• operate studio equipment and create pre-recorded clips
• support programme contributors before, during and after shows
• update the programme or station's website and social media channels
• handle feedback and requests for archived content

You could work at a recording studio or in an office.