BBC Career Opportunities: Where It Begins Trainee - BBC Radio 1

ROLE DETAILS

CONTRACT TYPE: 8 week placement. Fixed-term contract, full time

PLACEMENT DATES: 12 October 2026 to 4 December 2026

SALARY: £25,500 (pro rata)

LOCATION: Salford - Dock House

INTERVIEW DATE: Interviews for this role will take place on Wednesday 9 September 2026 in Salford

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

ARE YOU:

• Passionate about the vibrant music and youth culture of BBC Radio 1?


• Already creating your own podcasts, broadcasting radio shows, or curating and sharing playlists?


• Social media savvy, up to date with the hottest trends?


• Bursting with creativity and ideas?


• Proactive with a positive, ‘can do’ attitude and outlook?

DO YOU:

• Want to get hands-on experience across different teams at Radio 1?


• Have the desire to share your creative ideas with programme teams across BBC Radio 1 and the broader BBC family? 


• Want to build on your passion and curiosity for radio and audio production and receive training from BBC Academy? 

THEN THIS PLACEMENT IS FOR YOU!

Our exciting 8-week paid placement offers a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of BBC Radio 1. You'll get hands-on experience and skills working in Salford. 

You’ll also travel to Birmingham for training at the start of your placement, which we’ll arrange for you. Travel, accommodation and expenses covered.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

During your time at Radio 1 you will collaborate with multiple teams, spending time across various departments. You will take part in creative meetings and complete a range of duties for production teams during and prior to live shows. This is an excellent opportunity to get a 360 view of what it’s like to work at an award-winning national broadcaster. 

You will have a mentor who will meet with you weekly to discuss your development your progress and future plans. We are committed to ensuring our trainees have a diverse experience and as much involvement as possible. As we’re a 24/7 station, working hours will vary and may include early mornings, evenings or weekends. We will do our best to accommodate personal circumstances when designing the schedule.

WHY JOIN US?

• Unleash Your Creativity: Work in a team that celebrates innovation and originality.


• Build Your Future: Learn from industry professionals and gain real-world experience.


• Be Part of the Buzz: Contribute to the exciting and dynamic environment of BBC Radio 1!

YOUR SKILLS AND ELIGIBILITY

Are you passionate about music, radio, and everything that lights up the world of a Radio 1 audience? Do you thrive on staying ahead of the curve with the latest music, culture, and entertainment trends? Are you excited about the role of new technology and social media in shaping our experiences and connecting with audiences? If you answered yes, we want you to be part of our team!

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Music and Culture Enthusiast: You live and breathe music and are always in the know about the latest cultural happenings.


• Tech-Savvy Social Media Guru: You understand the impact of new technology and social media on today's world and can use it to engage with our audience.


• Authentic and Confident: Whether you're an extrovert or someone with quiet confidence, we value your unique voice and perspective.  


• Inclusive and Open: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and every part of the UK.

WHAT YOU DON'T NEED

Forget the formal qualifications or prior radio experience. We’re looking for creativity, imagination, and a genuine passion for media and radio production. 

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Career Starters Only: This opportunity is for those at the beginning of their career journey. If you’ve already gained paid experience within the BBC, this placement isn’t for you.


• Right to Work: You must hold documentation that grants you the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the placement.


• Age Requirement: You must be 18+ when you apply.


• Interview: You must be available to attend an in-person interview on Wednesday 9 September, from 09:45 - 16:00 in Salford.


• Placement dates: You need to be available full-time for the placement from 12 October - 4 December 2026.


• Training: You must be able to travel to Birmingham for training in the first week of the placement (we’ll cover expenses, travel and accommodation). 

Please note: Want to be the next Greg James or Jack Saunders? This is an 'off air' scheme, for people interested in behind-the-scenes production roles.  This is not a scheme for people interested in presenting or being DJs.  

READY TO APPLY?

You’ll create a candidate profile and answer a few questions - no CV or cover letter needed. If you're eligible, you will be invited to complete an online video and written assessment which will help us to understand more about you, your interests and why you want to work at BBC Radio 1.