Picture Editor Apprentice

Creative Lives in Progress; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organization is offering a full-time Picture Editor Apprentice position in Leeds. This apprenticeship provides valuable hands-on experience along with formal training in image creation and editing. Ideal for school leavers, this role focuses on creativity and collaboration within a dynamic team. Starting salary is £24,328, with benefits including private medical insurance and discounted gym memberships. Applications close on January 2, 2026.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Free Virtual GP access

Financial guidance 1-2-1s

Discounted Gym memberships

Pension

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• GCSE in Maths & English required.
• Must not have completed similar qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Design and create eye-catching imagery.
• Ensure technical specifications are met.
• Manage internal requests for image supply.
• Assist in creative development of photoshoots.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Understanding of Channel 4's remit

Proactive self-starter

Comfortable using technology

Education

Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE

Tools

Mac

Microsoft Word

Excel

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Picture Editor Apprentice

Reports to: Senior Picture Editor

Department: Marketing

Location: Leeds

Number of roles: 1

Start date: September 2026

The C4 Apprenticeship Programme

If you are looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and a qualification, then an apprenticeship at Channel 4 might be for you.

Our Apprenticeships are full-time, with four days per week spent working in a C4 department and one day per week completing the formal learning parts of the apprenticeship.

The formal training provided will consist of workshops, tutorials, webinars, coaching and in some cases residential boot camps. The training is dependent on the qualification your apprenticeship offers and will be explained in detail by the training provider before you officially begin the course. You can read more about the qualification being offered for this apprenticeship below.

Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please look at our Production Training Scheme or the Channel 4 Jobs website for other opportunities suitable for you.

If you’d like some tips on writing your application before you apply, please watch our recent YouTube video, How to Write an Outstanding Application.

Eligibility

The programme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.

Am I eligible to apply?

• You must be 18 years old or over at the time the scheme starts to apply. There is no upper age limit.
• You’ll need to have a Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE
• You can’t have already completed the qualification being offered or similar at the same or higher level
• Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please visit the Channel 4 Jobs website

Channel 4 Behaviours

At Channel 4, we have four core behaviours that underpin everything we do. These are outlined below, and we will be assessing candidates on these behaviours throughout the recruitment process.

• Include We’re Altogether Different so let’s give each other a bear hug, team up and trust each other to collaborate arm-in-arm. Don’t just listen: listen to understand.
• Innovate Don’t just rinse and repeat: don’t just go through the motions. Challenge positive and embrace change. Experiment & take smart risks.
• Grow Question everything and school yourself. Be generous with your knowledge with others and seek feedback from them. Be clear with your objectives.
• Get it done Make your time at Channel 4 count. Be a solution-finder, not a finger-pointer. Prioritise, decide and then act – always commercially.

Department Description

The Pictures Team sits within the Marketing department and is responsible for all of Channel 4’s imaging needs. It is responsible for the sourcing, editing, production and distribution of images for use across internal and external platforms to promote Channel 4, including our streaming platform, third-party platforms, social media, the external media, and wider corporate use.

Working with programme commissioners, producers, celebrities and some of the country’s best photographers, the Pictures Team develops ideas and concepts for photo shoots on location and in a studio. The team is then responsible for producing, designing, art-working and distributing imagery from these shoots. This is as well as liaising with production companies and studios to acquire programme imagery, and also sourcing screen grabs from Channel 4 content. All images are then used to promote Channel 4 programming on the Channel 4 streaming platform and third-party platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Sky, as well as in the wider media.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, artwork and create eye-catching imagery utilising existing Channel 4 assets for a wide range of content.
• Ensure all images meet technical specifications, quality standards and brand consistency across outputs.
• Caption, tag and store created images accurately within the team’s asset management system.
• Maintain organised file structures and naming conventions to support efficient workflows.
• Manage internal requests for the supply of images, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
• Liaise professionally with internal teams and external partners, including picture desks, to fulfil image needs.
• Work to various creative guidelines both internally and externally.
• Assist Picture Producers in the creative development of ideas for photoshoots.
• Support the creation of decks and presentations to showcase and pitch the team’s work and ideas.
• Represent the Picture Team professionally across the wider creative department.
• Through in-house training, develop the skills and confidence to deliver creative image solutions for Channel 4 shows.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Verbal and written communication skills – e.g. dealing with customers or working as part of a team; writing emails, completing forms, or creative writing as applicable.
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills and ability to prioritise tasks
• An understanding of and a passion for Channel 4's remit
• Confident managing multiple tasks with tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills
• Proactive self-starter comfortable working autonomously
• Comfortable using AI tooling for image ideation and creation
• Passion for photography and interest in design / image creation
• Able to critically assess imagery and offer improvements
• Comfortable using technology (Mac, Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe CC) and able to learn new tools confidently

Qualification Offered with this Apprenticeship

Content Creator Level 3

Length of Apprenticeship

15 Months

Alternative Application Formats

We are committed to making the application process accessible. If you would like to discuss suggestions for alternative formats, or have questions about the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail]

Take a look at our access page for more information, which you’ll find by clicking here. You can also watch our YouTube video, Demystifying Interview and Workplace adjustments.

Relocation

If you need to relocate in order to take up this opportunity, we can offer support towards the financial costs of moving, including a contribution towards your deposit and first month’s rent, plus visits to your new city to look for accommodation.

Basic salary per annum starting from £24,328.00

Application Questions to Complete

Please remember to complete the additional application questions by uploading a Word or PDF attachment. These questions help us get to know you better and we won’t be able to consider your application without them.

• Referring to the essential criteria listed on the job description, please provide examples demonstrating how you meet them (500 words max).
• What does representation and inclusion mean to you personally, and why is it important? (300 words max)
• List your current qualifications, including those expected before September 2026 start. This helps ensure eligibility.
• Take a look at Channel 4 streaming and tell us what made an image stand out (150 words).
• Tell us about a recent image you saw that stood out to you and why (150 words).
• Describe a time you demonstrated strong time management skills balancing work and studies (300 words).
• Sum yourself up in a tweet (280 characters).

Benefits

• Private medical insurance
• Free Virtual GP access for employees
• Free Female Health hormone test each year
• Free Tastecard membership
• Financial guidance 1-2-1s available each quarter
• Discounted Gym memberships
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• Holiday Purchase

Hybrid Working

From September 2023, Channel 4 has operated a 60/40 working pattern, equating to three office days per week. This allows time for collaboration, culture building and learning, with flexibility on where remaining days are spent. All offices are open five days a week.

Applications Close Date

02 Jan 2026

Equal Opportunities

Channel 4’s purpose is to create change through entertainment by representing unheard voices and delivering diverse content. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on disability, age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

Disability Confident Scheme

Channel 4 is a member of the Disability Confident scheme and may offer an interview to all candidates who meet the essential criteria and have a neurodiverse condition or long-term condition. For more information, visit the Disability Confident Campaign website.

Care Leaver Friendly Employer

Channel 4 supports care-experienced individuals and commits to offering an interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and identify as care experienced. Please indicate if you wish to apply under the Care Leaver Scheme on the application form.

Workplace Adjustments

We are committed to providing disabled applicants a fair application process and ongoing support. If you require adjustments or additional support during recruitment, please contact [e-mail].