Newsroom Apprentice, The Financial Times

Journo Resources Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is offering an exciting apprenticeship scheme aimed at young individuals eager to start a career in journalism. This unique opportunity allows you to gain an NCTJ qualification while working with leading publications in both London and Manchester. Ideal candidates will be curious, diligent, and adaptable, ready to thrive in a fast-paced newsroom environment. With a supportive mentoring system and a commitment to diversity, this apprenticeship is designed to cultivate the next generation of journalists. If you have a passion for storytelling and a desire to learn, this could be the perfect launchpad for your career.

Benefits

Paid study towards NCTJ qualification

30 days of annual leave

Accommodation support available

Dedicated mentor throughout the programme

Access to Employee Networks

Subsidised gym memberships

Qualifications

• Good Level 3 qualifications are required by September 2025.
• GCSE 5 for Maths and 7 for English language is essential.

Responsibilities

• Study for an NCTJ qualification while working at the Manchester Evening News.
• Train as a reporter in Manchester and London.

Skills

Curiosity

Strong communication skills

Adaptability

Resilience

Diligence

Education

Level 3 qualifications

GCSE 5 for Maths

GCSE 7 for English language

Job description

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. Candidates who are currently considering a degree or 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 want to develop a deep knowledge of current affairs and business, are curious, persistent, seek out the truth, and can work under tight deadlines and pressure in a modern newsroom. You should also be able to adapt to different environments – the apprenticeship involves living in both London and Manchester at different times.

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

What We Are Offering

• £28,808 per annum;
• Paid 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 of annual leave;
• A dedicated FT mentor throughout the programme;
• Access to FT Employee Networks;

What You’ll Do

Begin with four 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 six months training as a reporter in Manchester with the Manchester Evening News.
• Return to London to spend four months training in a Financial Times specialist publication, such as Investors Chronicle.
• A further four months working alongside FT journalists in the field and newsroom.

Timings may be subject to change

Who We Are Looking For…

• You will be aged 18 years or over by 1 September 2025
• You have achieved 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;
• A truth-seeker;
• Willing to learn;
• Conscientious, hard-working, and diligent;
• Resilient and flexible;
• Strong communication skills, especially in written and spoken English;
• Able to adapt to different environments (the apprenticeship involves living in London and Manchester at different times).

Details and How To Apply

To apply, please submit:

• CV: including any languages, data, and social media skills
• Cover Letter: telling us why you think you’d make a great reporter

The deadline for applications is 21 May 2025. Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out!

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing, and intelligent commentary are central to FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce accurate, fair, and insightful journalism. FT editorial staff do not use AI tools to write articles or create reader-facing content. AI may be used for specific, pre-approved tasks like data research for investigations.

Applicants to the FT newsroom should refrain from using AI in their test submissions. All written materials should genuinely reflect your knowledge, skills, and experiences. AI can be used as a research tool or for interview preparation.

The use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure fairness and transparency.

What’s In It For You? Our Benefits

Our benefits vary by location but include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave, subsidised gym memberships, and community engagement opportunities. Full details are available here.

We operate a 50% hybrid working model (two to three days onsite) and are open to flexible working requests where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and a Valuable 500 signatory. Please inform us if you require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process. For questions, email [e-mail].

About The Financial Times

The FT is a leading global news organisation committed to delivering quality, accurate, and impartial journalism. We foster curiosity, ambition, and diversity, providing opportunities for growth and impactful work.

Our culture is warm and collaborative, supporting your career development and wellbeing.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

We value diverse perspectives and aim to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are dedicated to removing barriers faced by underrepresented groups.

About The Manchester Evening News

The MEN is the largest regional news website in the UK, focused on stories relevant to Greater Manchester and beyond. Renowned for hard news, community features, and campaigns, it offers a unique northern perspective on national issues.

Based in Oldham, the MEN operates on a hybrid model, with mentoring support for junior reporters to ensure rapid development.