Supporting the delivery of broadcast and communication services
This occupation is found in the British and International broadcast and media industries, enabling the delivery of broadcast and media products, such as screen or audio programmes, internet streaming services, pay-per-view or downloadable content. Broadcast and media technical operators will typically work for media broadcasters, production companies, media and content streaming companies, broadcaster or media services suppliers, broadcast equipment suppliers or manufacturers. The broadcast and media systems companies and organisations vary in size and the number of employees they have, and are described as small, medium, or large companies.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to operate equipment involved in programme making for any of the media outlets supported by their organisation. To do this successfully and professionally, there must be an understanding of workflow, equipment capabilities, and technical standards they are operating within. Equipment is complex, and they are often working within tight timescales, it is also necessary to be able to perform diagnostics in real-time and communicate with engineers, technicians or workflow experts to help solve problems and maintain service.
This occupation is found in the British and international broadcast and media industries, enabling the delivery of broadcast and media products such as screen or audio programmes, internet streaming services, pay-per-view content, or downloadable media. Broadcast and media technical operators typically work for media broadcasters, production companies, media and content streaming companies, broadcaster or media services suppliers, or broadcast equipment suppliers or manufacturers. The size of broadcast and media systems companies and organisations varies, with companies being classified as small, medium, or large based on the number of employees.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to operate equipment involved in programme making for any media outlets supported by the organisation. To do this successfully and professionally, a solid understanding of workflow, equipment capabilities, and the technical standards they operate within is required. Equipment is often complex, and broadcast and media technical operators frequently work within tight timescales. It is also necessary to perform diagnostics in real time and communicate with engineers, technicians, or workflow experts to resolve issues and maintain service.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation works collaboratively with broadcast technicians and engineers to restore and maintain service when it is interrupted. Their workplace may be a broadcast or operations centre, a screen or audio studio, an outside broadcast operation, at customer premises, or outdoors on transmission sites. They must ensure that working environments and areas are safe from hazards and that specific risks are identified and reported. Additionally, they need to ensure that the required equipment is safe to use both on-site and off-site. They must also be aware of the environmental impact of their occupation and take steps to reduce their ’professional carbon footprint ‘.
Typically, they work within a team, reporting to the team or shift leader. Due to the nature of the role, this may include out of hours working or following irregular working patterns.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 22 months. The EPA period is typically 2 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Presentation with questions
You will produce and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. You must submit your presentation slides and any supporting materials to the EPAO by the end of week 4 of the EPA period. The presentation and questions will last at least 60 minutes. The independent assessor will ask you at least 4 questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) for a Broadcast and Media Technician gold card. ECS is the recognised personnel certification scheme for the electrotechnical industry.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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