Technical Operations Traineeship

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Versant invites UAE National students in their final year at Abu Dhabi University to apply for a six‑month Technical Operations Traineeship in Abu Dhabi, with rotations across live broadcast production, field shoots, feature development, digital video production and editing, and social media operations. The program provides hands‑on exposure to end‑to‑end newsroom workflows and requires travel to London and Singapore for two weeks each. To stand out, emphasize hands‑on studio and field experience, ability to work under pressure, teamwork and clear communication, and rapid learning. Tailor your CV to show equipment setup, camera, lighting, audio, and basic maintenance, and prepare for an in‑person interview.

Company Description

VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates across four core markets: political news and opinion, business news and personal finance, golf, and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Versant's sports division USA Sports, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass.

Job Description

OVERVIEW

This opportunity is part of a six-month traineeship program, providing hands-on experience. This role will be part of a community of traineeships, with individuals working in either editorial or technical operations roles. This role will rotate through live broadcast production, field reporting and shoots, feature development, digital video production and editing, and social media operations, offering structured exposure to end-to-end newsroom and production workflows.

The O&T department at CNBC manages technology and operations across their global network. With main hubs in Singapore and London, and bureaus in Hong Kong, Beijing, and Abu Dhabi, they support all departments by providing production systems, engineering, IT, and transmission solutions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare and set up all ancillary studio equipment daily, ensuring cameras, lighting, and teleprompters are fully operational before live news broadcasts.
• When needed, support live audio mixing by carefully balancing multiple audio sources, maintaining clear, professional sound quality under the pressure of live production.
• The operation of both robotic camera control systems and manual jib cameras, ensuring smooth and dynamic shots during broadcasts.
• Collaborate closely with studio directors, editors, camera operators, and graphic artists to understand how each element comes together to produce live television and multimedia content.
• Set up microphones and in-ear monitors for anchors, correspondents, and guests to ensure seamless communication before going on-air.
• Learn to troubleshoot and conduct basic maintenance on studio equipment, resolving issues quickly to minimize downtime.
• Observe studio floor operations, learning how directors coordinate talent, guests, and cues between the floor and control room.
• Provide technical production support to news editorial and operations teams, ensuring their technical needs are met.
• Participate in outdoor broadcast events as needed, gaining experience in field production when requested.

Qualifications

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS                     

• UAE National
• Graduated from or enrolled in final year of an Abu Dhabi University
• Willingness to travel to London and Singapore for 2 weeks each during traineeship
• A desire and passion to learn new skills in broadcast media production environment  
• Team player who can work independently and collaboratively with colleagues from different teams  
• Ability to adapt to new environments and pick up new knowledge/skills quickly 
• Good verbal communication and interpersonal skills to interact with colleagues and external guests professionally  
• Ability to work under pressure in live television broadcast environment 
• Meticulous with a keen eye for details 
• Efficient multitasker 
• Flexibility in working shift hours  
• Completion of a studio operations/management or filming module would be advantageous 

The responsibilities associated with this position are not limited to the above description and may be modified at any time by the Company.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.