If you’d have told me last year that by now I’d have moved to Bristol and worked across some of the BBC’s flagship programmes, I’d have told you, politely, not to say such crazy things.

It took around a month into the apprenticeship scheme for me to get my head around the opportunity I’d been given. On leaving sixth form I think deep down I knew I didn’t want those university places but I definitely knew that I loved television, and when Twitter directed me to the BBC Apprenticeships page, this seemed like the best opportunity for me. Two unsuccessful applications, an online application, a video and group assessment day later, here I am.

I must have looked like a deer in the headlights during Autumnwatch, which we filmed just three weeks into my apprenticeship. I had no idea, really, what was going on, but I loved it – it’s hard not to as you couldn’t ask for a nicer team and there’s such a great atmosphere during the live show days.

Joining as an apprentice, I assumed that I’d be shadowing people and maybe doing some simple, non-crucial tasks. My first experience of a television show was standing in a live studio behind the cameraman holding the cable which broadcast the show to the world. If I’d have tripped, we’d have been off air. No pressure, then.

Winterwatch in January meant that I’d experienced the live shows so could really get stuck in as I knew what was going on. From cutting out life-sized corvid props, to sourcing a taxidermy woodcock, no two days are the same. The best feeling was sitting in the gallery with the director and producers while the show went live – to be honest I’m just in awe of everyone. They work hard and, at times, it can be pressured but all remain in good spirits.

My final placement took me onto the mighty Countryfile which is where I am still based. It’s perfectly normal on Countryfile to find yourself standing ankle-deep in mud holding expensive camera kit, and I was lucky enough to see a wild beaver too.

I’m often asked by non-telly people what we do when in the office – we organise shoots, complete risk assessments, and research programme content. It’s the less glamourous side of the job, but it’s interesting, and it’s really helped me to learn how television works.

I’ve also been fortunate enough to work on the Chelsea Flower Show and soon on the Antiques Roadshow thanks to my manager putting these opportunities my way. I think what I’ve enjoyed the most about this scheme is the people that I’ve been able to meet and talk to as they have countless interesting stories and fantastic advice for working your way through the industry.

Anyone thinking of applying to the scheme should go for it, as it really is the best thing I ever did. There have been many moments where I can’t believe that this is my job and that’s down to those who run the scheme and provide the opportunities for you.

I don’t have a degree, I’m just someone who really loves telly and talking to people. To have these opportunities so early on in my career is something for which I have to pinch myself on a daily basis. 

Seeing as there’s a Bank Holiday this weekend and Springwatch returns to BBC Two on Monday, this week’s 10 things from around the BBC celebrate nature and wildlife.

1. Whilst obviously looking forward to watching all the new wildlife emerge from its wintery sleep in the new series of Springwatch, I’m also hoping to see presenter Chris Packham crowbar some song titles into his pieces to camera.
2. Springwatch kicks off the BBC’s Summer of Wildlife season, a collection of TV and radio programmes and online content that aims to inspire people to discover the nature that’s on their doorstep.
3. If you find yourself spurred on to help our furry or feathered friends, there’s some useful information about wildlife volunteering on the Nature website.
4. It shouldn’t happen to a vet, nor, it seems, a cameraman for a wildlife documentary. Here’s a quick look at Nature: Behind the Scenes in one of the many video collections, also on the Nature website.
5. In front of the camera seems slightly easier in comparison. Sir David Attenborough shares his memories of 1950’s series Zoo Quest in this special interview for the BBC Archive.
6. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is in full bloom and celebrates its centenary this year. You can catch up on coverage of the show on the BBC iPlayer.
7. If the beautiful displays of Chelsea inspire you to get your gardening gloves on, help and advice will be on hand from the experts at Gardeners’ World Live in Birmingham, 12-16 June. Alternatively you could download the latest Gardeners’ Question Time podcast.
8. Having moved from Television Centre in London to Salford, the Blue Peter Garden was opened to the public last year by Princess Anne. Fancy making a herb garden out of a recycled juice bottle? Here’s one they made earlier.
9. If you’re looking to go a little further afield than your doorstep, there’s plenty of ideas of Things To Do in the great outdoors from Countryfile.
10. Whether you’re in the garden or out and about this weekend, remember, it is a Bank Holiday so best keep an eye on the weather.

 

Jen Macro is Digital Content Producer, About the BBC Blog and website.

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There's been a real buzz in the office over the last few weeks as the BBC Wildlife Fund has been preparing for it's second appeal. The BBC Wildlife Fund is the youngest of the BBC's four corporate charities - the others being Children in Need, Performing Arts Fund and the World Service Trust. It's aim is to raise awareness and funds to help threatened wildlife and places and that's been addressed in a variety of ways since setting up just a few years ago.

Our nature documentaries often inspire people to ask us what they can do to help and we launched the Wildlife Fund in 2007 in response to public interest. We have been able to build on the awareness created by our programmes to get audiences involved and raise money to help animals and places.

During May and June we've been out and about encouraging people to 'Go Wild for Wildlife' at BBC Springwatch Wild Days Out, which are fun, family events where everyone can get involved with wildlife-themed activities.

BBC staff have also been encouraged to get involved and we're delighted that they've responded enthusiastically. Over 100 staff volunteered to help out at the fundraising events and many others are helping out in other ways - from wearing their wildlife prints to work to taking part in team sponsored activities.

Watch the film above to hear Amy Coyte, Director of the Fund, talking more about their work.

As part of the appeal, the Fund has also given fundraising packs and other goodies to people who want to raise money with a 'wild' theme in their own time, with friends and family and in their own communities.

The BBC Wildlife Fund's first appeal, which featured the Saving Planet Earth series ended with a live broadcast event which raised £1.8 million thanks to fantastic public support. The Fund has since distributed this money via grants to independent charities working across the UK and abroad. Examples include funding for a project that created 'elephant corridors' to prevent conflict between the animals and farmers in Namibia, and a project to restore the food supply of the Adonis Blue butterfly in Suffolk, which is apparently a very fussy eater!

The Fund is already making a clear difference, although there is of course a lot more to be done. Good news then that the team is back with another appeal this year, to coincide with the UN International Year of Biodiversity.

I'll be at the recording of the live Wild Night In TV programme at London Zoo, which will be the climax of the appeal. It's airing from 8pm on Sunday 20th June on BBC TWO. The programme will feature some familiar faces from Springwatch, as well as contributions from Sir David Attenborough among others. It should be an entertaining evening (and doesn't clash with an England match!) so do tune in if you can and let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Alec McGivan is Head of BBC Outreach