Newsroom apprenticeship

Closing date for applications: Thursday 19th September

Learn more webinar: You can watch the live recording with Creative Access staff here.

Start date: February 2025

Compensation: London Living Wage

This scheme, now in its second year, is designed to help under-represented groups start a career in journalism. If you do not have a degree but dream of being a journalist, this apprenticeship could be for you.

As part of our commitment to diversity in the FT newsroom, this apprenticeship is only open to those without a degree. If you are planning to go to university, have started a degree course or have a degree, you are not eligible to apply.

About the Financial Times

Across the FT Group, our people are united by a mission to deliver world-class information, news and services to our global audiences. Our international, award-winning editorial team represents the gold standard in journalism, seeking depth, originality and balance that differentiates us from the pack and engages our subscribers. Click here to find out more about the FT.

This apprenticeship is a golden opportunity to study for an intensive NCTJ journalism qualification while working at the Manchester Evening News and the FT, under the 18 month 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 can show they are suited to working to the tight deadlines and pressures of a modern newsroom. They should also be able to adapt to different environments - the apprenticeship involves living, at different times, in London and Manchester.

Due to the partnership with Manchester Evening News, we are particularly interested in applications from candidates living in the Greater Manchester area.

What we are offering

• London Living Wage (currently £13.15 per hour)
• Paid-for study towards the intensive NCTJ level 5 qualification through the apprenticeship scheme
• On the job training at the Manchester Evening News and the FT
• Accommodation subsidy 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 intensive 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 7 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 3 months working alongside FT journalists in the field and newsroom.

Timings may be subject to change.

Who we are looking for

• This apprenticeship is only open to those without a degree; if you are planning to go to university, have started a degree course or have a degree, you are not eligible to apply
• You will be aged 18 years or over by 1 January 2025
• Have been awarded Level 3 qualifications upon application. Suitable qualifications include:
  • 2 A levels
  • 4 AS levels
  • NVQ
  • BTEC
  • Applied General Qualification
  • Scottish higher qualifications
  • International Baccalaureate diploma
  • Access to higher education diploma
  • T Level
  • Tech level
• Have achieved a minimum GCSE grade of 5 for Maths and 7 for English language
• Have the right to work in the UK.

To succeed, you must be

• Curious about people, governments, business and money
• Open-minded and interested in different perspectives
• A truth-seeker
• A quick learner who is diligent and attentive to detail
• Resourceful, resilient and flexible
• Determined and have initiative
• An excellent communicator, especially in written and spoken English
• Able to adapt to, and thrive in, different environments (the apprenticeship involves living, at different times, in London and Manchester).

To apply

Upload your CV, cover letter and application questions as one document via the Apply button. Once submitted, you can no longer amend your application, so proofread carefully. 

In your CV, please tell us:

• The dates you took your GCSEs and A levels (or equivalent)
• Your exam grades
• Work experience to date
• Any language, data or social media skills

In your cover letter, please tell us:

• Why do you think you'd make a great reporter?
• Why should we pick you?
• Tell us about a journalist you admire from any publication and why.

Please answer these application questions:

• Tell us why you want to be a journalist (300 words maximum).
• Tell us about yourself and your potential to benefit from this opportunity (300 words maximum).

Please email any queries about this role to Creative Access at this address: recruit@creativeaccess.org.uk and do not contact the company directly.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are under-represented in the creative industries. This includes, but is not limited to Black, Asian and ethnically diverse candidates, disabled people, those undergoing gender reassignment / transitioning and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

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