Paul McClean Graduate Trainee

Financial Times; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global news organization is seeking applicants for their graduate trainee program designed for aspiring journalists. The successful candidates will undergo eight weeks of training and complete rotations in various news desks, ultimately producing insightful reporting. This highly competitive program is ideal for individuals passionate about journalism and global affairs. The starting salary is set at £31,000, with annual increases based on performance and opportunities for further development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowances

Flexible working, including work from home

Medical cover

Enhanced maternity & paternity packages

Subsidised gym memberships

Giving Back opportunities

Qualifications

• Must work in a fast-paced news environment.
• Self-starter with high standards and interest in global affairs.
• Experience or qualification in journalism beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Receive eight weeks of in-house training.
• Complete four six-month stints on different news desks, including one overseas posting.
• Produce original, fair, and insightful reporting.

Skills

Fluent spoken and written English

Data journalism skills

Strong writing ability

Ability to work under pressure

Curiosity about world affairs

Education

Final year of studies or recent graduate

Job description

The FT’s Paul McClean graduate trainee programme, now open for applications, recruits and trains entry‑level journalists for a long‑term career at one of the world’s leading, and most respected, news organisations.

The scheme is named after Paul McClean, a gifted journalist who produced groundbreaking work during his two years as an FT trainee. Sadly, Paul passed away in September 2017.

We are looking for talented, driven reporters like Paul who want to develop an FT career in financial journalism and global affairs; people who are curious about the world, strongly committed to serious journalism and who enjoy the thrill of nailing a good story.

Alumni of this highly‑competitive scheme – now in its 40th year – are well represented in senior staff of the FT and other news organisations around the world.

Responsibilities

• Receive eight weeks of in‑house training.
• Complete four six‑month stints on different news desks, including one overseas posting.
• Enter the third year in a dedicated reporting role, chosen via a competitive process.
• Produce original, accurate, fair and insightful reporting across all formats.
• Collaborate with mentors, receive feedback, and engage in ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Fluent spoken and written English; data journalism skills and additional languages are an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced news environment.
• Self‑starter with uncompromising high standards, keen interest in business and global affairs, international mindset and sharp reporting instincts.
• Strong writing ability and a passion for uncovering scoops and telling stories.

Application Process

All candidates must have the right to work in the United Kingdom from the point of application, valid until October 2029.

Submit the following three documents:

• CV – include dates for secondary school, university, post‑grad education, other qualifications (including data journalism skills), journalism experience, and language proficiency (CEFR scale).
• Cover letter – tell us about yourself, why you want to be a journalist at the FT and why we should choose you.
• A news story written specifically for this application, not previously published (500 words max). At the end of the story, within 250 words, explain why you chose this story, how you researched it and how you obtained any quotes.

Applications without all three documents will not be assessed.

The deadline for applications is 23:59 (GMT) on 8 January 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in mid‑March 2026. Successful applicants will start on 7 September 2026.

Salary & Terms

Graduate trainees join the FT on a one‑year contract, extended for up to a further year at the discretion of the company. Salary increases annually: £31,000 in year 1, £34,000 in year 2, and £38,000 in year 3 upon appointment to the first job. A one‑off £750 welcome payment is paid on joining. Terms are subject to good performance throughout.

Eligibility

• Applicants in final year of studies, recent graduates or post‑graduates in any discipline.
• This scheme is not for professional journalists or those who have begun training courses with other media organisations.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowances
• Flexible working, including work from home
• Medical cover
• Enhanced maternity & paternity packages
• Subsidised gym memberships
• Giving Back opportunities
• Other best‑in‑class perks across all offices

FT AI Policy

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism. Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. For specific and pre‑approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations. We expect applicants to refrain from using AI in their original story; written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. Candidates may use AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness, and the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Diversity & Inclusion

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer seeking to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help.

Contact

For any questions or clarifications, email [e-mail].