The Financial Times apprenticeship scheme

Closing date for applications: 26th May 2025 at 11.59pm

Salary: £28,808 per annum

Duration: 18 months

Start date: 1st September 2025

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The Financial Times apprenticeship scheme is now open to applications!

This scheme is aimed at helping young people from under-represented groups start a career in journalism. We are particularly keen to hear from people from minority ethnic backgrounds and those from disadvantaged socio-economic households. This apprenticeship is for people who do not have a degree or a university application and candidates who have applications for a degree currently under consideration or who are attending university, are not eligible.

You will study for an NCTJ qualification while working at the Manchester Evening News and the FT, under the 18-month apprenticeship scheme.

We are looking for people who would like to develop a deep knowledge of current affairs and business, are curious, persistent, seek out the truth and feel suited to working to the tight deadlines and the pressures of a modern newsroom. You will also be able to adapt to different environments - the apprenticeship involves living, at different times, in London and Manchester.

Due to the partnership with M.E.N., we are especially interested in applications from candidates living in the Greater Manchester area.

What this apprenticeship offers

• Paid-for study towards the NCTJ level 5 qualification through the apprenticeship scheme
• Training at the Manchester Evening News and the FT
• Some accommodation support available
• 30 days annual leave
• A dedicated FT mentor throughout the programme
• Access to FT Employee Networks
  
  

What you’ll do

• Begin with 4 months study in London for the NCTJ level 5 journalist qualification (this industry-recognised standard is the equivalent of second year university and includes the NCTJ diploma). One day a week will be spent in the Financial Times’ London newsroom.
• You will then spend 6 months training as a reporter in Manchester with the Manchester Evening News.
• Return to London to spend 4 months training in a Financial Times specialist publication, such as Investors Chronicle.
• A further 4 months working alongside FT journalists in the field and newsroom

Timings may be subject to change

Eligibility requirements

• You will not have a degree or be attending university
• You will be aged 18 years or over by 1 September 2025
• You have been awarded good Level 3 qualifications by September 2025. Suitable qualifications include:
  • 2 A levels
  • 4 AS levels
  • NVQ
  • BTEC
  • Applied General Qualification
  • International Baccalaureate diploma
  • Access to higher education diploma
  • T Level
  • Tech level
• You must also:
  • Have achieved GCSE 5 for Maths and 7 for English language
  • Have the right to work in the UK

We are looking for someone who is:

• Curious about people, governments, business and money
• Open-minded and interested in different perspectives
• Truth-seeker
• Willing to learn
• Conscientious, hard-working and diligent
• Resilient and flexible
• Strong communication skills, especially good written and spoken English
• Able to adapt to different environments (the apprenticeship involves living, at different times, in London and Manchester)
• Although not essential, include any languages, data and social media skills in your CV

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Its readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role.

What’s in it for you? Benefits included:

Benefits vary by location but the FT is committed to providing best-in-class perks across all offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of these benefits are available here.

The organisation has embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, they are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

About the Manchester Evening News

The Manchester Evening News is the biggest regional news website in the country, larger than some national brands. It tells the stories that matter to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond. Its journalism is rooted in hard news reporting, people-focused real life features, and issue-led campaigns. It has a strong cost of living, shopping, what’s on and TV offering.

The MEN also provides a unique northern perspective on national news and issues, and the site has been widely recognised with industry awards.

The Manchester Evening News is based in Oldham, close to Chadderton Metrolink stop and accessible by bus. It also works on a hybrid model with Tuesday-Thursday office based, but for this role would hope you would spend as much time as possible out on your patch once you have settled in. All junior reporters are mentored by a senior reporter and a content editor to support fast development.

To apply

• Upload your CV, cover letter and application questions as one document (applications without a tailored cover letter will not be accepted)
• In your cover letter, include the questions outlined below
• Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proof-read carefully
• Do not contact the company directly
• Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk

In your cover letter:

1. Tell us why you want to be a journalist (300 words max)

2. Tell us why you think you'd make a great reporter (300 words max)

3. This scheme is aimed at under-represented groups; tell us about yourself and your potential to benefit from this opportunity (300 words maximum)

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals who identify as Black, Asian, or from other ethnically diverse backgrounds, or people of any ethnicity who belong to the following under-represented groups: disabled people, people with the characteristic of gender reassignment, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, carers and asylum seekers.

Creative Access offers programmes of training, networking and support specifically designed for people from these under-represented groups.