Where It Begins Trainee - BBC Radio Xtra

WHERE IT BEGINS TRAINEE - BBC Radio 1

Xtra

JOB REQUISITION : 47611

JOB CLOSING DATE: 23:59 on Monday 13 July 2026

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

PLACEMENT DATES: 12 October 2026 to 4 December 2026

SALARY: £25,500 (pro rata) plus London weighting £5,441

LOCATION: London - London Broadcasting House

INTERVIEW DATE: Monday 7 September 2026 in London

ARE YOU:

• Passionate about championing Black British culture and music, and an avid listener of BBC Radio 1
  
  Xtra.
• Already creating your own podcasts, broadcasting radio shows, or curating and sharing playlists.
• Proactive with a positive, ‘can do’ attitude and outlook.

DO YOU:

• Want hands‑on experience across BBC Radio 1
  
  Xtra?
• Want to share your creative ideas across BBC Radio 1
  
  Xtra and the broader BBC family?
• Want to build on your passion and curiosity for radio and audio production, and receive training from the BBC Academy?

THEN THIS PLACEMENT IS FOR YOU!

This exciting 8‑week paid placement offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of BBC Radio 1

Xtra. You’ll gain hands‑on skills and experience working across different shows and departments. 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.

You’ll collaborate with multiple teams and spend time across different departments. You’ll take part in creative meetings and support production teams before and during live shows. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a 360‑degree view of what it’s like to work at an award‑winning national broadcaster.

You’ll be assigned a mentor who will meet with you weekly to support your development and future plans. 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.

• 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
  
  Xtra!

Are you passionate about music, radio, and championing Black British culture? Do you stay ahead of the curve with the latest music, culture and entertainment trends? Are you excited by how new technology and social media shape the way we connect with audiences? If so, we want to hear from you!

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Music and Culture Enthusiast: You live and breathe music and are always in the know about what’s happening in culture.
• Tech‑Savvy and Socially Aware: You understand how digital platforms and social media influence the world and know how to use them to engage audiences.
• Authentic and Confident: Whether you’re outgoing or quietly confident, 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

You don’t need formal qualifications or previous experience in radio. We’re looking for creativity, imagination, and a genuine passion for media and production.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Career Starters Only: You must be at the beginning of your career journey (this placement is not for those with previous paid BBC experience).
• Right to Work: You must have the legal right to work full‑time 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 Monday 7 September from 09:45 - 16:00 in London.
• Placement Dates: You must be available during the placement dates from 12 October - 4 December 2026.
• Training: You must be available to travel to Birmingham for training the first week of the placement (we’ll cover expenses, travel and accommodation).

Platform

Note:

This is an off‑air scheme for people interested in behind‑the‑scenes production roles. It is not a scheme for those looking to become presenters or DJs.

You’ll create a candidate profile and answer a few questions – no CV or cover letter…