BBC Where It Begins
Brimming with creative ideas? Avid music fan? Lover of radio and podcasts?
Where It Begins is an eight-week paid trainee scheme for people interested in developing audio production skills!
If you’re at the beginning of your career and haven’t worked for the BBC before, this could be the scheme for you. Across your placement, you’ll spend time working with one network - either BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra or Asian Network. You’ll rotate across different departments, from live shows to social media, music to station sound, getting a flavour of how each station works along with receiving hands-on experience and skills. You’ll also learn how the studios work with our Operational team, receive training from BBC Academy, and be given a mentor who you’ll meet weekly during your placement.
While there is no guarantee of a full-time job following your paid placement, former trainees have gone on to work on shows including The Everyday Hustle for BBC Asian Network and Heartless Crew for 1Xtra, and even produce Radio 1 Breakfast.
Apply for Where it Begins 2026
Applications for the Where It Begins are now open via the BBC Careers website!
Please note that you may apply for one network only. You must be available for the duration of the placement from October 12 – December 4, 2026. You must be 18+ when you apply, have the right to work in the UK and be available on the date specified for the in-person interviews for the network you apply to. If you have previous paid experience working with the BBC you are not eligible for this scheme.
Our 2026 trainees will be based in:
BBC Radio 1 in Salford (one trainee)
BBC Radio 1Xtra in London (one trainee)
BBC Asian Network in Birmingham (two trainees)
Watch our 2026 launch webinar for further information
Watch previous 1Xtra trainees talk about their time on Where It Begins
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