BBC and Birmingham City University will jointly create a media training centre at the broadcaster’s new Midlands headquarters in Digbeth.
The 10 year partnership will give undergraduate and postgraduate students practical experience across journalism, media, content creation, production and broadcast technology.
Subject to final planning and landlord approvals, BCU will lease space inside the Tea Factory and install studios, workshops, teaching rooms and other facilities built to BBC specifications.
Students will work with technology reflecting current broadcasting practices, while the BBC will be able to use specialist training, studio and technical facilities for workforce development.
BBC staff will also contribute to lectures, workshops, masterclasses, shadowing opportunities and live industry briefs, giving students direct access to people working across the broadcaster.
Simone Marquis, BBC Chief Talent and Inclusion Officer, said: “At the BBC, we want the future of the creative industries to be shaped by talent from every part of the UK.”
Professor David Mba, Vice Chancellor of Birmingham City University, said students would benefit from learning their craft on industry standard technology alongside the BBC.
“This collaboration brings our ambition to develop the talent of tomorrow and drive prosperity across our city and region to life,” David said.
The arrangement forms part of the BBC’s Across the UK strategy, which seeks to develop creative work and employment outside London.
The broadcaster previously signed an agreement with the West Midlands Combined Authority and Create Central covering plans for further production investment and employment opportunities in the region.
