BBC scheme boost for graduates - graduate jobs

Media graduates in the Salford area hoping to start a career at the BBC's new Media City site have been given a boost after the corporation announced details of an apprenticeship scheme for local teenagers.

BBC officials revealed that the recruitment drive could help "address the challenge of offering entry-level opportunities for local residents in an area of high unemployment".

The move comes after new figures revealed that only 26 local people secured posts in the drive to take on 680 new staff members at the site, which is home to 6 Music, the BBC Sport website and part of Radio 5 Live.

Commenting on the apprenticeship scheme, Ken Lee, human resources director at BBC North, said: "We believe that this is a promising start. The BBC has recruited from across the north of England based on skills and experience, not by postcode.

"Additionally, initiatives such as the ambassador and apprenticeship programmes offer local residents the chance not only to gain valuable entry-level experience but permanent jobs as well."

Copyright Press Association 2012