Radio broadcast assistant

You would make sure that live and recorded radio programmes run smoothly so they are entertaining and informative for audiences.

You’d handle administration and help to plan programmes. It would also be up to you to provide technical support in the studio.

You would be part of a small team, usually with a producer, a presenter and possibly a researcher.

You could work in speech or music radio. There are different types of shows you could work on including music, news, phone-ins or talk shows.

Depending on the station and the type of show, you would:

• Research programmes

• Book guests and arrange their contracts and payment

• Book studio time and equipment

• Type scripts

• Produce programme logs and running orders

• Keep track of costs

• Update the programme or station website, blog or social media profiles

• Archive programme material

• Arrange and send out competition prizes

In studio production work you could also:

• Manage phone lines for phone-ins and competitions

• Time the shows

• Operate the recording, editing and mixing equipment (often known as 'driving the desk')

• Record and edit programme trailers

• Offer creative input, like writing links or planning quiz questions

In speech or news radio, you will often be asked to go out and collect short interviews or ‘vox pops’ from people.

With experience, you might contribute programme ideas, interview guests or present part of a programme.

• Creative Scotland - enabling people to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland

• Broadcast Journalism Training Council - information for students

• Creative Skillset – explore the roles in the creative industries and routes into work

• The Radio Academy - promotes excellence in UK radio broadcasting and audio production

• BBC Careers - About working at the BBC including work experience, trainee schemes and apprenticeships

• Community Media Association - Get involved with community media