Broadcast Engineer

• designing and setting up audio and video circuits;
• manufacturing and repairing multimedia hardware, software and other broadcast technology systems;
• utilising knowledge of analogue and digital systems;
• installing, testing and maintaining technical facilities including transmission, editing and studios;
• setting up and monitoring audio and visual links with a variety of different units;
• maintaining specialist equipment for video and film production, broadcast and satellite transmission and interactive media;
• analysing and rectifiying technical faults;
• identifying and implementing alternative ways of meeting requirements to cover equipment failures, with minimum loss of service;
• investigating new techniques and equipment;
• custom-making electronic systems for programmes;
• setting up and operating links for outside broadcasts;
• building a knowledge of and utilising an awareness of health and safety in the workplace;
• problem solving;
• listening carefully and being able to interpret instructions and requests;
• communicating effectively with own team and other project members;
• as a freelancer, networking and establishing and maintaining contacts.

• The work is pressurised and hours can be long and irregular, which can be very disruptive to social and family life. Studios have to be booked, which often means working within allocated slots. Technical or operational difficulties can mean that filming schedules fall behind and employees are expected to remain until the job is done. Shifts are common and include weekends, evenings or nights. There may also be the need to work long hours at short notice, particularly for news programmes.
• The environment could vary from warm, enclosed studios to extreme conditions on location.
• Work patterns may involve relatively quiet periods followed by intense activity.
• Work can be physically demanding.
• There is high job satisfaction and an informal environment.
• Stability and security no longer apply to this industry. Contracts may be renewable, fixed term or freelance, usually without paid holiday or sick leave.
• There is an active equal opportunities policy.
• Career breaks are possible.
• Jobs are quite widely available as TV and radio stations are found in most areas of the UK. Jobs with the independent production companies and facilities houses are mainly in London and the South East. Whilst it is fair to say that jobs with leading employers are also based in the capital, there are opportunities in the UK's larger cities. Self-employment is unlikely, due to the highly specialist nature of the work in a fast-changing technological environment. However, increasing numbers of staff are becoming freelance. There is a need to become multi-skilled, ie able to use a wide range of equipment, thus saving costs for the employer. As a freelance, those extra skills will increase the amount and range of work open to you. To be successful in securing freelance work, you will also need to be highly organised and skilled in your own self-management and promotion and willing to go wherever the work is.
• Location work and outside broadcasts (OBs) involve working away from home on a regular basis or for fairly long periods and can also include working abroad. Occasionally you may be required to work on dangerous assignments, eg in war zones.

Courses