Lifestyle Commissioning Apprentice
THE C4 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
If you are looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and a qualification, then an apprenticeship at Channel 4 might be for you. Our Apprenticeships are full-time, with four days per week spent working in a C4 department and one day per week completing the formal learning parts of the apprenticeship.
You’ll spend 60% of your working week in your office base and 40% working from home. The formal training provided will consist of workshops, tutorials, webinars, coaching and in some cases residential boot camps. You can read more about the qualification being offered for this apprenticeship below.
If you’d like some tips on writing your application before you apply, please watch our YouTube video, How to Write an Outstanding Application. The programme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.
AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
- You must be 18 years old or over at the time the scheme starts to apply. There is no upper age limit.
- You’ll need to have a Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE
- You can’t have already completed the qualification being offered or similar at the same or higher level
- Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please visit the Channel 4 Jobs website
CHANNEL 4 BEHAVIOURS
At Channel 4, we have four core behaviours that underpin everything we do. These are outlined below, and we will be assessing candidates on these behaviours throughout the recruitment process.
- Include – We’re Altogether Different so let’s give each other a bear hug, team up and trust each other to collaborate arm-in-arm. Don’t just listen: listen to understand.
- Innovate – Don’t just rinse and repeat: don’t just go through the motions. Challenge positive and embrace change. Experiment & take smart risks.
- Grow – Question everything and school yourself. Be generous with your knowledge with others and seek feedback from them. Be clear with your objectives.
- Get it done – Make your time at Channel 4 count. Be a solution-finder, not a finger-pointer. Prioritise, decide and then act – always commercially.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
Channel 4 Lifestyle looks after much-loved returning shows including The Great Pottery Throw Down, Location, Location, Location, Kirstie & Phil’s Love It or List It, George Clarkes Amazing Spaces, Our Welsh Chapel Dream, Made in Chelsea, Come Dine With Me, A Place in the Sun, Four in a Bed, Help! We Bought a Village, Chateau DIY, Junior Bake Off, recent hits Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids and Can’t Sell, Must Sell, as well as live show Sunday Brunch. During your time in the Lifestyle team you’ll get involved in all areas of the work we do, from the point of development to commission through to delivery and beyond; we’ll help you to quickly build up your skills and knowledge of the broadcast industry.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Providing the Lifestyle team with administrative support including diary management, writing up and distributing minutes
- Supporting the journey of programmes from the point of development/commission through to delivery and beyond
- Monitor the progress of different commissioning projects and liaise with departments including scheduling, press, programme management, marketing, presentation and legal and production companies
- Complete Programme Certifications and Language Forms for all department output, and communicating Warning/Flagging and Support details
- Managing the department’s archive and monitoring schedules for repeats across the Channel 4 portfolio
- Assist the Lifestyle Programme Coordinators with programme award entries
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
As part of the application process you’ll be asked to tell us how you meet the essential criteria listed below. When answering this question think about examples from your experience so far, this doesn’t need to be professional experience but could be academic, from volunteering or a part-time job.We’ve provided some examples beside the first four criteria of experience that could demonstrate you have these skills. Please note you do not need to use these examples, they are just here for guidance and you should draw from your own personal experiences.
- Verbal and written communication skills - Verbal - e.g. experience of dealing with customers or working as part of a team. Communication – e.g. writing emails, completing an application form or essay, or if you have a hobby that involves creative writing.
- Attention to detail - e.g. Cashing up on tills or proofreading coursework.
- Organisation skills and ability to prioritise tasks - e.g. Planning events whether personal or for professional purposes, as well as managing work life balance, for example working whilst doing coursework/exams.
- An understanding of and a passion for Channel 4's remit
- Confirm you have Maths & English GCSE Grade C (4) or above
- Have a passion for TV
- Possess a keen attitude and willingness to learn
- Ability to follow instructions and to work both independently and as part of a team
QUALIFICATION OFFERED WITH THIS APPRENTICESHIP
Business Administrator Level 3
LENGTH OF APPRENTICESHIP
15 months
ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FORMATS
We are committed to making the application process accessible. If you would like to discuss suggestions for alternative formats, or have any questions about the recruitment process in general, please contact us at apprenticeships@channel4.co.ukTake a look at our access page for more information, which you’ll find by clicking here. You can also watch our YouTube video, Demystifying Interview and Workplace adjustments.
RELOCATION
If you need to relocate in order to take up this opportunity, we can offer you support towards the financial costs of moving. This includes a contribution towards your deposit and first months’ rent, plus visits to your new city to look for accommodation.
Basic salary per annum starting from
£24,328.00
Application questions to complete
- We will also ask applicants to explain how their current skills and/or experience make them a suitable candidate for your apprenticeship.
- Referring to the essential criteria listed on the job description, (which are all skills and experiences we deem important to thrive as a C4 apprentice), please use examples to demonstrate how you meet these (feel free to draw on academic, personal and professional experiences). (500 words max)
- Can you share with us why representation and inclusion matter to you, and why you think they are important? (300 words max)
- Please share a list of your current qualifications, including those you expect to obtain before the January 2025 start of this apprenticeship. We require this information to ensure your eligibility for the apprenticeship you are applying for.
- What is your favourite TV programme at the moment and why? (200 words max)
- How does this role fit in with your future career plans? (300 words max)
- Sum yourself up in a tweet (280 characters)
Benefits
- Private medical insurance
- Free Virtual GP access for employees
- Free Female Health hormone test each year
- Free Tastecard membership
- Financial guidance 1-2-1’s available each quarter
- Discounted Gym memberships
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Income Protection
- Holiday Purchase
Hybrid working
From September 2023, C4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week.Having everyone in the office three days a week gives us more opportunity to build our high performing, inclusive culture; to collaborate and to learn and share with each other, as well as helping to coordinate a regular pattern of home and office working days. Employees then have the flexibility to decide where they spend the rest of the working week. All our offices are open five days a week.
Applications Close Date
02 Jan 2026
Equal Opportunities
Channel 4’s purpose is to create change through entertainment; by representing unheard voices, challenging with purpose and delivering content which reflects the diversity of different communities across the UK.We are only able to deliver on this remit by having a workforce rich in diversity of thought, background and lived experience. As an employer we encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender reassignment, gender expression, criminal history, length of time spent unemployed, marriage or civil partnership status, national origin, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
Disability Confident Scheme:
Channel 4 is a member of the Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has also maintained the highest level of the Department of Work and Pension's Disability Confident scheme - Level 3: Leader. Under the Disability Confident Scheme, we aim to offer an interview to all candidates who have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and who meet the essential criteria for an advertised job. If you wish your application to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, please select yes when completing the application questions. For more information, please visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.
Care Leaver Friendly Employer:
Channel 4 is a Care Leaver Friendly Employer. By signing the Care Leaver Friendly Employer Charter and adopting its principles, we are supporting an immensely talented yet often under-served and under-represented community of young people/ adults. We commit to offering an interview (and constructive feedback) to applicants who identify as care experienced and meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. Applicants should indicate if they wish to apply under our Care Leaver Scheme by selecting the option on the application form.For our roles and schemes that receive a high volume of applications it may not be possible to provide an interview to all applicants who meet the essential criteria and in this situation we can only select applications that best meet the skills needed for the role.
Workplace Adjustments:
We are committed to providing disabled applicants a level playing field when applying for a job and support whilst employed to perform to the best of their ability and develop their careers. If you have a neurodiverse condition, impairment or long-term condition and require any adjustments, additional support or alternative arrangements during the recruitment and wish to discuss this confidentially, please let us know via the following e-mail recruitment@channel4.co.uk
How to apply
To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.
