BBC Studios is thrilled to announce it is launching the second year of its prestigious Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme, following the resounding successes of year one.

BBC Studios (BBCS) is offering 15 Assistant Producer one year contracts across unscripted genres and across the country. As well as the paid contracts BBCS provides unrivalled training, support and mentoring.

There are several virtual one-hour information sessions, hosted by Donna Taberer and Sarah Wood (co-directors of BBC Studios' Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme), they will be joined by two of the current cohort from the Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme as well as BBC Talent Execs.

There will be a maximum number of 100 people in each session and there will be an opportunity to ask the panel anything you want about BBC Studios' Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme.

These Zoom sessions will give you essential tips on how to apply for this programme and how to ace interviews. If you secure a ticket for a Zoom session, the Zoom link will be emailed to you 24 hours before the start of the session.

BBC Studios is proud to share that we are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer and so if you require any workplace adjustments in order to join this session or apply for the Programme, please do contact us on resourcing@bbc.co.uk with the job reference in the subject.

If you cannot attend this event - information about upcoming sessions will be posted on the APAP job page on the BBC Careers Hub.

Want to know what some of the current cohort have to say about BBC Studios' Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme?

Zindzi: Having a place on the Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme has allowed me to work on a variety of reputable and exciting productions, which have all exceeded my expectations and challenged me to step into a large variety of tasks. I've truly had opportunities I never imagined and feel privileged to be so supported on the programme.

Reece: Being registered blind in TV, it can often be difficult to find and access new opportunities and achieve career development. This scheme however has given me not only invaluable experience in a range of areas across my genre, but it has also grown my confidence exponentially while moving up to AP level. I have so far worked on Strictly It Takes Two, where I scripted shows, helped to edit VTs and brief talent, on the rebrand of Question of Sport, where I developed games and assisted on location, and in the Entertainment development team, where I pitched some of my own ideas to commissioners. The scheme leaders have been so supportive and understanding of my access needs every step of the way and I would recommend anyone to apply.

Billy: The training we've received on the scheme has been absolutely phenomenal. We've learned everything from practical filmmaking skills such as scripting, storyboarding and cinematography, to soft skills that nobody teaches you, such as leadership, managing teams and mental health awareness. It's been an amazing experience to feel my confidence in my abilities grow as the weeks go by, and I use what I've learned on the scheme in my job every single day.

Jessie-Ann: When I applied for the APAP scheme I had been researching for about 3 years. I definitely felt ready to step up to AP, but as it’s such a big jump it has been amazing to have the support and guidance that the scheme offers. The main thing I wanted to get out of the scheme was to become a competent self-shooting AP, and I have been fortunate enough to script, self-shoot and direct short films on my work placements. We have a great cohort and have all become firm friends.”

Fernand: The APAP has been an invaluable experience to not just work on programmes I'm passionate about, but to be able to contribute ideas that get picked up and used, and have an influential role within productions. The Wales contingent of BBC Studios' Entertainment and Music has an incredible variety of programming made from BBC Young Dancer, Dance Passion, and Cardiff Singer of the World - where I was thrown into my first 'director' role on my first day! It's opened many doors to gain experience within the genre and I'm excited to see where this will take my career next.

Marika: For me, doing the course was about diversifying my CV, training and networking, and I’ve managed to tick every box this year. Without the course I’d never have been able to work on the Chelsea Flower Show, which was an incredible experience, nor would I have received such brilliant camera, storytelling and development training or met any of the inspiring people we’ve had the chance to hear from and speak to.

Sam: I’m very grateful to be a part of the APAP training scheme. It gently encourages us out of our comfort zone by providing us with opportunities to grow into ambitious individuals who are confident to help drive the industry to be more representative, as part of a team of confident broadcasters. The training, masterclasses and mentoring equip us with an awareness of the specific skills needed within the industry, which help build our instincts to create meaningful work which shapes the conversation around topics we care about into cooperative, empathetic and thoughtful work. I feel very lucky to be a part of this scheme, and I could not recommend highly enough applying to be part of this invaluable training.

Applications close for BBC Studios' Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme at 23:59 hrs on Sunday 13th February