The Pod Programme Trainee

Location: Edinburgh, with some sessions held remotely

Dates: WC 19th October 2026 – 2C 18th January 2027

Application window: Friday 11th September – Friday 25th September

The Pod

Are you a content creator with a passion for documentary, film, factual storytelling or creative media?

Do you want to take the storytelling skills you already have (or are starting to build), and learn how to shape them for podcasts, audio and digital platforms?

The Pod is a practical creative skills programme designed to help Scotland’s emerging documentary and film talent develop the skills, confidence and industry insight needed to become podcast creators.

With sessions delivered both in Bauer Media Studios in Edinburgh and remotely, the programme will support 12 participants to explore how great stories can move from screen to sound… using voice, structure, production, editing, social content and digital distribution to reach real audiences.

If you are excited by documentary, factual content, audio storytelling, video podcasting or social-first content, this programme is the one for you!

What you’ll learn

Across the programme, you’ll develop practical podcasting and audio storytelling skills, with a focus on helping you adapt your existing creative experience into compelling podcast formats.

You will learn how to:

• Develop practical podcast production skills


• Adapt documentary and film storytelling techniques for audio


• Understand how audio, video and social content work together


• Explore podcast ideas for real audiences


• Build confidence in scripting, structure, voice, editing and imaging


• Learn from experienced audio, podcast and media professionals


• Explore potential routes into freelance and permanent employment


• Build a network within the audio and podcasting industry

The programme is designed to help documentary makers and factual creators reach audiences beyond traditional film and broadcast platforms, while building deeper emotional connection through voice, sound and intimate storytelling.

A bit about the programme structure

Over 12 weeks, you will take part in a blended learning programme, including:

• ½ day welcome and induction


• 4 online evening masterclasses with leading industry professionals


• 4 online evening workshops with Bauer Academy tutors


• 4 in-person studio workshops focused on areas such as structuring, voice, imaging and editing


• ½ day final showcase, where participants will pitch to professionals and receive feedback

To support accessibility, the programme will combine online evening sessions with weekend in-person events.

Learn with Bauer Academy

Bauer Academy will be at the heart of the programme, designing and delivering a practical, industry-focused learning experience that combines creative development with professional insight.

As a participant, you will benefit from:

• Training led by experienced Bauer Academy tutors


• Masterclasses from leading industry professionals


• Access to Bauer Media’s Edinburgh studio facilities


• Practical sessions in audio production, scripting, editing and imaging


• Ongoing support from Bauer Academy’s Talent Development team


• Signposting to relevant freelance and employment opportunities where appropriate

Eligibility

This programme is designed for people who are:

• Aged 18+


• Based in or around Edinburgh, or able to travel to Edinburgh for in-person sessions.


• At an early stage in their creative career OR are looking to be reskilled from film, video and documentary into podcasting


• Interested in documentary, film, factual content, podcasting, audio or digital storytelling with some already existing basic skills in this space.


• Open to learning, experimenting and working collaboratively.


• Able to take part in a blended programme of online and in-person sessions.

The process to join this programme

• Submit your written application, which is a CV, plus a cover letter. Within the cover letter we would like you to explain your why behind joining The Pod. Why do you want to be part of it? Why do you want to upskill or reskill in this area? Why do you want to be part of a Bauer programme?


• Applications will then be reviewed and you will be contacted about scheduling an interview if you are successful at this stage which will be with 2 members of the Bauer team. Within the interview we will ask you about your skillset, motivations and intent behind learning more about the audio world.

For any questions please reach out to [email protected]

About Bauer Media Group

We are a media business focused on creating content that matters to millions of people across Europe. Our offering extends from print and online publishing to audio broadcasting and entertainment, alongside investments in other media related sectors. With more than 500 million copies sold each year, we are one of Europe’s largest Publishers. From women’s and celebrities’ magazines to TV listings to food and special interest, we own some of the most popular publishing brands in Germany, UK, Poland and France – both digital and print. But not only that. Reaching over 61 million listeners weekly, we operate over 150 radio and podcast brands in nine countries, spanning the UK, Ireland, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Portugal. Family-owned in the 5th generation, Bauer Media focuses on the long-term, with a consumer-first mindset that guides us across our diverse portfolio. Our workforce of 12,000 shares a common purpose: to deliver content and services that enrich people‘s everyday lives.

What’s in it for you

• You’ll have 28 days holiday, bank holidays & 2 volunteer days to use.


• Your development matters, so access to our internal training provider – Bauer Academy, is a huge win. 


• We have enhanced Maternity/Adoption, Paternity and Shared Parental Leave Pay.


• You’ll have the opportunity for flexible working. 


• And much more! Find the full details of our benefits here

We are an international employer and equal opportunities are important to us. That's why we welcome everyone in their uniqueness, regardless of e.g. religion, gender, skin color, disability in our house.

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all. If you have a disability or a long term health condition, and need us to make any reasonable adjustments or do anything differently during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know by emailing [email protected]

We are actively recruiting for this position, so the job advert may close earlier than expected.

If you have any feedback regarding our UK recruitment process, please email [email protected] we would love to hear from you.