The Independent & Evening Standard Apprenticeship Scheme

Join our team and learn what it takes to become a top journalist

The Independent and the London Evening Standard form one of the most dynamic media publishing houses in the UK. Our editorial output across a range of platforms plays a central role in people’s lives in the 21^st Century.

If you are interested in learning what it takes to be a journalist in our newsrooms, the The Independent & Evening Standard Apprenticeship scheme might be for you. Open to applicants who do not already have an advanced apprenticeship and/or degree level qualification, the programme is designed to offer a structured combination of college-based education and on-the-job experience. We are particularly keen to recruit candidates from a diverse range of ethnic and social backgrounds.

You will begin the apprenticeship in January in our west London newsrooms, where you will get a feel for our editorial operation. In February, you will head to Wembley Stadium, London home of UCFB (University College of Football Business), to begin a 20-week, ‘fast-track’ diploma in journalism. This will involve tuition in all core aspects of news journalism (print and digital), including: news reporting; feature writing; interview techniques; developing stories; shorthand; video; using social media; and media law and ethics. The course will also ensure that apprentices gain a detailed understanding of how the courts, public services and government in the UK work and how they impact on the public and the media. There will be further work experience during the course.

At the conclusion of the course, you will work alongside our seasoned journalists to unearth stories, write reports and contribute to our award-winning content. During your time in our newsrooms you will be supported by workplace mentors, your UCFB tutor and senior executives as you build up an ‘e-portfolio’ of work and complete an end-point assessment, alongside day-to-day work as part of our editorial team. There may be opportunities to work on the London Live TV channel, in addition to the Evening Standard and Independent.

By the end of two years you will be well-placed to compete for junior reporting and writing positions. As employers we will do all we can to help candidates be successful in moving from apprenticeships into full-time roles.

The newsroom and classroom elements of the scheme are both crucial towards completing the Apprenticeship successfully. Assuming you meet the required standard you will be awarded an Advanced Apprenticeship in Journalism (Level 3) and an NCTJ diploma in journalism practice at the conclusion of the course.

Successful candidates are likely to have at least 5 GCSEs at grades A*-C (and must, as a minimum, have GCSE English and Maths at C or above) or equivalent. Basic PC skills are essential.

Successful applicants will also be self-motivated and be willing to learn new skills quickly in a busy environment. They should have the ability to interact with a wide cross-section of people and have the confidence to work under pressure. Commitment to the job and punctuality are vital.

Apprenticeships will be offered on the basis of a salary of £17,108 p/a. The closing date for applications is 14 November.

For more information and to find out how to apply, click here.

We are delighted that this groundbreaking scheme is being supported by a range of partners including the National Council for the Training of Journalists, Goldman Sachs, Peabody, and The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers.