Journalist Apprentice NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP LIMITED

Do you care about what goes on around you and want to make a difference? Then Newsquest Media Group needs you. We have a number of Apprentice Journalism opportunities to work from our newsrooms across the UK. Previous experience or education is not essential.

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Closing date: 18 Dec 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £10,296.00

    The National Apprenticeship Wage will apply for the 1st year.

    Wages explained

    Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and training that's part of their apprenticeship (usually one day per week).

    Minimum Wage Rates

  • Working week

    Various shifts available, with day release to College. TBC. Total hours per fortnight: 75

    Total hours per week: 37.5

  • Expected duration

    18 Months

  • Possible start date

    02 Jan 2024

  • Date posted

    23 Oct 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Higher
    Level 5 (Higher national Diploma)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000207344

  • Positions

    1 available

What you will do in your working day

  • We need an enthusiastic, committed person who will want to learn all the skills of a journalist here in our exciting newsroom.
  • You will be educated to at least good-level GCSE English and Maths and have a keen interest in local and national news. You should also have good social media and digital skills.
  • The successful candidate will join our skilled team of reporters. As well as working from our newsrooms, you will attend college to learn shorthand, law and other journalism skills in a course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, to achieve the NCTJ Diploma as part of the Apprenticeship. Employment is on a fixed term basis for 18 months for the duration of the Apprenticeship.
  • No previous experience is needed but you will need to demonstrate natural initiative to find stories and write to a good, clear accurate standard as well as be capable of working in a fast-paced deadline driven environment.

The training you will be getting

  • Level 5 Journalist - 4 days with employer and day release at College
  • Location – Various locations across the UK
  • Working 5 days per week inclusive of 1 day release for study with Darlington College

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

On successful completion of the Level 5 Journalist Apprenticeship, you will achieve the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism, along with shorthand which is the standard route into the industry and will enable you to apply for roles within the industry. You may also progress your career with Newsquest as a apprentice with more training for a further 18 months and take the Level 7 Journalist Apprenticeship which will qualify you as a senior journalist and the NQJ qualification, all whilst working alongside other journalists and having the opportunity to contribute news to our various media platforms.

Benefits of the job:

  • 6.6 weeks annual leave
  • Birthday off
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee rewards program
  • Cinema vouchers
  • Discounted gym membership
  • High-street vouchers
  • Virgin Media discount

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Team working, Good writing skills, Willingness to coach, Eye for detail, Quick thinking under pressure, Able to write quickly, Strong news sense, Great people skills, Engaging writing style, Creativity

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Maths and English (Grade 4/C) Essential

Things to consider

Apprentices joining our business will have to be committed to the pathway of study and attending Bournemouth University during the course of programme. You will need to be focused and hard-working and able to manage to study whilst honing your skills and knowledge while working in a busy, demanding and deadline driven environment, where no two days are the same.

About the employer

We are one of the largest regional news publishers in the UK and have a portfolio of more than 250+ local news brands and magazines online and in print. With an online audience of 41 million users a month and 7 million readers a week in print, our content is read by a substantial proportion of the UK population. In addition to our local news brands, we own a number of digital pure play and specialist media businesses such as s1jobs and s1homes, Exchange & Mart, and Newsquest Specialist Media. You can see our Publishing page for more details. Our parent company is Gannett Inc, the largest news publisher in the US. Gannett is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Employer

NEWSQUEST MEDIA GROUP LIMITED

Address

Loudwater Mill

Station Road

High Wycombe

HP10 9TY

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Training

Training provider

DARLINGTON COLLEGE

Adjustments for experience

You could reduce your training time, or finish your apprenticeship faster, if you have relevant prior learning or experience. This could be relevant:

  • training
  • qualifications, like an NVQ in a relevant field
  • industry or sector experience

Contact

Rosanna Lee

rlee@darlington.ac.uk

Apprenticeship standard

Journalist

Level 5 (Higher national Diploma)

Demonstrating experience

If your application is successful, you will have a chance to discuss your relevant prior learning or experience with your training provider and employer. You will all need to agree any adjustments to your training plan.

You should be prepared to show your competence, and evidence of relevant qualifications

Before you apply

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