The BBC is launching a new training hub for apprentices in Birmingham in partnership with tech giant Google.
Called BBC Apprentice Hub, it is aimed at bridging the skills gap in the West Midlands and will place up to 50 candidates with employers in the local creative sector to gain work experience alongside an education from training providers.
The apprentices' salaries will be part-funded by the corporation while Google will fund all training costs for new staff placed in roles through the Apprentice Levy Transfer Donation scheme.
The jobs will be in a variety of media-related fields including broadcast production, digital marketing, data and software development.
The move comes on the back of 200 new apprentices starting work earlier this month with the broadcaster amid plans to hire 1,000 apprentices by 2026.
Director-general of the BBC Tim Davie said: "The creative sector is growing. That's great news for the West Midlands where there are real opportunities.
"I'm pleased to welcome into the BBC 200 apprentices who started last week. I'm thrilled we're going to be working with employers across the Midlands. It's an exciting time."
The BBC is working with West Midlands creative development agency Create Central to find employers to take on the new apprentices.
Chairman Ed Shedd said: "As one of the youngest, most diverse regions in Europe, the West Midlands is full of talented people with stories to tell and a desire to explore all forms of content creation to tell them.
"We are determined to make sure they get that opportunity. The BBC Apprentice Hub is a great step forward in addressing industry's needs.
"We are delighted to be working with the BBC to ensure that local creative businesses in the West Midlands understand the benefits and step up to take part."
Ronan Harris, managing director of Google UK and Ireland, added: "Apprenticeships are a brilliant way to learn new skills to grow your career.
"Through this partnership, we hope to help people across the West Midlands get access to quality training and jobs in the creative sector and support local SMEs to find diverse new talent and grow."
