Recent U6 leaver, James Livesey, originally planned to go to the University of Southampton to study Computer Science. However, this changed when he was offered a place on the very competitive BBC Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. 

With only a few placements available each year, four in London and eight in the UK overall, James has done extremely well to win a place. 
 
James described getting this placement as “a dream come true,” as he had always been interested in broadcasting and now gets to combine this with his software engineering skills. James’ job title at the BBC will be Software Engineering Apprentice. He will be working with the Personalisation, Participation and Data Team in their Platform Department. This means he will be working in the BBC Headquarters helping to create new features to expand the BBC’s online services, in addition to maintaining existing features that many of the BBC’s audiences are already familiar with. 
 
Since this is a Degree Apprenticeship, James with be studying Software Engineering at university level alongside his work for the BBC. He will receive a salary and have all his student tuition fees paid for, as well as being offered a permanent role as a Software Engineer at the BBC in London on successful completion of the programme. James says he will particularly enjoy the diversity of software opportunities the BBC has to offer.  

James said, “It will be exciting to start working with the BBC and getting acquainted with the massive building that is new Broadcasting House. Getting to know my team and making friends with others who work at the BBC is also something that I am really looking forward to!”

James’ advice for others facing a similar decision is, “just go for it, and apply!”