'Step up' into journalism at BBC Scotland

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See how the Step Up scheme works in practice

Step Up 2010 - BBC Scotland

Do you have a passion for news? Is your dream to be a journalist, but you always thought the BBC wasn't for you? Have you struggled to get your first step on the ladder?

Here is your chance to meet and learn from BBC staff, experience how the BBC Scotland newsroom works, and get an insight into how a news programme is put together.

By taking part in Step Up you will develop your confidence and knowledge, and be in a better position to apply for jobs within the media industry.

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What is Step Up?

Step Up is a brand new media project at BBC Scotland which aims to give people the skills and confidence to work in news.

Successful applicants will get the chance to learn skills in either TV, radio or online over 10 weeks. Each candidate will also be paired with a BBC mentor, who will give one-to-one support and advice during the scheme.

The BBC is strongly committed to increasing diversity within the organisation, and this is one of its many initiatives aiming to raise awareness of the skills needed to work in the media.

Unfortunately, we can't give you a job at the end of the project, but we hope the skills we have taught you will help you to move on successfully in a news media career.

Click here to apply for Step Up

Who is it for?

WE ARE SEEKING PEOPLE WHO... have a real interest in news media are keen to learn about working in TV, radio or online can communicate well and have an ambitious attitude are able to think for themselves creatively are able to work as part of a team have a strong commitment to the project

We are looking for people who have a passion for news. We want candidates that can commit to the project and bring exciting new ideas to BBC Scotland news.

What will my mentor do?

Each candidate will be matched with a BBC member of staff who will act as their mentor throughout the project. The mentor will provide confidential support, career advice and help with project work.

What will I be doing?

The project will run from 7 January until 12 March and will involve:

• Weekly workshop/sessions - taking place on a Thursday from 0930-1730. Sessions will cover many areas of the news broadcasting industry, from practical skills for a news room (such as how to work equipment and edit) to helping plan for a future career in journalism.

• Group projects - there will be three group projects, one in each of the media areas: TV, radio and online. Candidates will be expected to commit to two weeks' full-time work to give them time to finalise their projects - this will be 1-12 March 2010.

• Mentoring sessions - Meeting with your BBC mentor for minimum of one hour for six sessions during the scheme.

Broadcast news from a step up candidate

• Showcase Party - This is where you will get the chance to show off your group project to friends, families, mentors and other BBC staff. This will take place in March 2010 (date to be advised).

For the last few years, Step Up has successfully been running at BBC London; check out this final group project produced by candidates in July this year.

Does the BBC pay my expenses?

The BBC will not pay expenses for those who are selected to take part. All workshop sessions will be held at BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow. Those workshop sessions which are held elsewhere will have transport supplied for them.

What do I need to do when?

• Please submit applications by 19 November

• Interviews will take place the week beginning 7 December

• Project start date: 7 January 2010

• Project end date: 12 March 2010

• Showcase: March 2010 (date tbc)

I want to sign up. How do I apply?

There will be 12 places on the project. We are looking for people who have a strong interest in either TV, radio or online.

Applications should be made online by using the link at the bottom of this page

Click here to apply for Step Up

These can be submitted via e-mail, or you can print off the form and send it to us in the post - but all applications must be received by 19 November.

The application form will ask you to tell us about your life skills and experience, why you want to take part, and give us examples of your passion for news.

If you are successful, you will then be asked to submit a written exercise which will help show us how creative you are before attending an interview at BBC Scotland.

What are the selection criteria?

In order to apply you must be able to attend workshops at BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow, every Thursday between 7 January and 25 February 2010 from 0930-1730. In addition you will need to commit to two weeks of full-time of work between 1 March and 12 March 2010.

So, when applying you will need to show us that you:

• are interested in news media
• are keen to learn about working in TV, radio or online
• can communicate well and have an ambitious attitude
• are able to think for yourself creatively
• are able to work as part of a team
• have a strong commitment to the project.

Due to health and safety considerations, you will need to be aged 18 or over to apply for this placement.

If you are currently studying, or have recently studied, broadcast journalism at under-graduate or post-graduate level then you will already have learned or be learning some of the skills that we want to teach you. Have a look at the Journalism Talent Pool and the BBC Jobs Website where there may be more appropriate opportunities in the future.

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To apply for Step Up

Click here to download the application form, (WORD .doc), save it to your computer and return to Heather Henderson at the email address on the form

Any questions? Click here to email Heather