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The Â鶹Éç is launching its first apprenticeship scheme in London specifically aimed at people who want to gain a qualification whilst working rather than through the traditional university-based route.

Over the next three years, to 2012, year-long apprenticeships will provide on the job training across Â鶹Éç Vision Productions, alongside a study programme.

Delivered by the Â鶹Éç Academy, in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College, the apprenticeships will lead to a Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification.

Â鶹Éç 2012 – London Apprenticeships will provide an opportunity to kick-start a career in the media for people who may never have thought the Â鶹Éç was for them.

Open to people aged 18+, the scheme will be looking for apprentices from diverse backgrounds across London.

Lucy Adams, Director, Â鶹Éç People, says: "We are looking for people who are passionate about the media, full of ideas, and with real understanding or experience of the issues facing London's many diverse communities.

"It's really important to us that the Â鶹Éç reflects the many different backgrounds of the people who make up our audience.

"This new scheme takes a significant step towards making entry into Â鶹Éç employment more accessible and will help create a more socially inclusive workforce."

Roger Mosey, Â鶹Éç Director 2012, added: "2012 is going to be a massive year for London and the UK. The Â鶹Éç is the official Olympic broadcaster and will also cover the Cultural Olympiad and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

"We are going to need good people to tell some fantastic stories. With new intakes into the scheme over the next three years, by 2012 we will have trained three groups of apprentices with the necessary skills to be able to apply for jobs within the Â鶹Éç and the wider industry."

The Â鶹Éç has chosen to work with Westminster Kingsway College because it has considerable experience of delivering learning and accreditation frameworks for apprenticeship schemes.

Nicole Barber, Assistant Principal Employer Training Solutions, Westminster Kingsway College, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Â鶹Éç on the new Creative Media Apprenticeship framework, which we have customised to specifically meet the Â鶹Éç's mission and values.

"Apprentices will have a high quality experience leading to an exciting and tangible result."

The Â鶹Éç 2012 – London Apprenticeships scheme opens for applications on Friday 5 February 2010. More information will be available from 5 February at bbc.co.uk/jobs/apprenticeships.

JD2/MC3