Journalist apprenticeship scheme launched

Reporting the news that can make a real difference in your community?

Johnston Press is launching a new apprentice scheme to give young people an opportunity to join their local newspaper and learn how to be a journalist.

We are looking for committed and enthusiastic 18+ year olds who have a genuine interest in people and their stories, a passion to report their celebrations and their achievements and a real pride in their community.

As a successful apprentice you will be paid to train as a journalist with a combination of time in our newsrooms and at college.

You will have 5 A*-C GCSEs, (or equivalent) including English and Maths. Ideally you will also have two A levels or a Btec equivalent.

The apprentice scheme runs over 18 months, leading to the NCTJ pre-entry qualification, the Diploma in Journalism.

You will spend four days in one of our newsrooms in Yorkshire, learning ‘on the job’ core skills and mentored by our senior journalists.

Due to the size and scale of our operation in Yorkshire, there is flexibility in where you will be based.

You could be working on one of our award-winning daily titles, the Sheffield Star, Yorkshire Evening Post and Yorkshire Post, as well as our portfolio of weekly titles including the Doncaster Free Press, Halifax Courier, the Harrogate Advertiser, The Scarborough News, the Sheffield Telegraph and the Wakefield Express.

You will be taught to write articles for websites and for our print titles, use social media to promote our content, and learn about journalism law, court reporting, and public affairs, as well as shorthand.

Learning to shoot good video will also become one of your core skills.

Remember - this is not an internship, you will be paid throughout the training period as an apprentice.

Here’s what Johnston Press is looking for in its apprentice journalists:

A passion for news or sport

A genuine interest in people and their positive stories

Knowledge of new media - including social media

At least 5 GCSEs or equivalent, at (Grade C or Grade 4 or above) including English Good command of the English language

Confidence in your writing

Willingness to listen and learn

A great work ethic and be self-motivated

Willingness to study and work simultaneously

Excellent communication skills - verbal and written

Be presentable

A full driving licence is desirable but not essential