BBC trials comms trainee programme

The under-fire corporation picked four trainees for the year-long comms programme at the start of this year after receiving applications that numbered 'well into three figures'.

James Hardy, head of comms, audio and music, said the idea for the programme had come about last spring, resurrecting a similar scheme dropped a few years ago.

'We were not looking for university degrees necessarily, more a demonstration of enthusiasm and drive,' he said.

He added that though there was 'a degree of uncertainty' around budgets, it was hoped the scheme would continue next year.

The trainees are getting on-the-job experience in different areas of the BBC's comms set-up.

They are also getting regular training from former comms director Donald Steel, who PRWeek revealed last year had been called in to help following the fallout from the Jimmy Savile scandal.

According to Hardy the trainees are receiving a 'reasonable starting salary', and will have the opportunity to apply for relevant vacancies that open up at the end of their training.