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A Guide To Journalism Apprenticeships

Introduction To Journalism Apprenticeships
Are you thinking about careers in journalism? There are different routes into these types of roles. Lots of young people will apply for university places to do a journalism degree but if, for whatever reason, the university route is not an option for you, there is another route you can take. The Journalism Apprenticeship Standard will get you straight out there into the world of work, doing real journalism jobs straight away.

Apprenticeships are ideal for those of you who are looking for entry level jobs that can kickstart a rewarding career in a field that you have a passion for. You will start earning money straight away whilst, at the same time, receiving structured training. And, after all your hard work, at the end of your Apprenticeship, you will receive a nationally recognised qualification. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Journalism Apprenticeships are not for everybody. As well as excellent writing skills and creativity, journalism jobs need you to be right out there, in the thick of the action, finding stories and working on your own initiative. This requires excellent communication skills where you can network and build relationships with people. Some journalism jobs will require you to use your natural curiosity to find out that little bit of extra information that will make your story stand out above those of other journalists. You will need to be a persistent and organised person, getting in touch with people for interviews, and trying again if you don’t succeed at first attempt.

Of course, journalism jobs are more than just working on newspaper stories. BBC Journalism Apprenticeships or Apprenticeships with other radio and TV networks would see you in broadcasting. Sometimes, you might even be doing the broadcast yourself.

Whatever journalism jobs you do, other digital platforms will come into play. Live blogging is increasingly popular with the online versions of some of the newspapers out there, for example. This is particularly common in politics or sports journalism so if you are interested in Sports Journalism Apprenticeships, you could be in the thick of it, blogging as events occur.

So, if you have thought about doing journalism courses, why not consider this Journalism Apprenticeship Standard. Let’s take a look at how it works.

How do Journalism Apprenticeships Work?
Journalism jobs are going to be more rewarding if you are working in a field that you have a passion for and your experience during your Journalism Apprenticeship will vary depending on your employer and the pathway you choose to take.

Sports Journalism Apprenticeships are obviously going to suit all you sporty types who love not just the sport but all the personalities involved and initiatives that take place to promote that sport. Travel journalism jobs could see you working all over the UK as well as abroad. Some of you could be itching to get involved in politics and world affairs.

Journalism Apprenticeship Standard - Qualifications And Pathways
The Journalism Apprenticeship Standard is a Level 3 Apprenticeship and will take at least 18 months to complete. For those of you who are already doing related journalism jobs, you could be able to complete the Apprenticeship in less than that time. Worth considering if you are looking to get formal qualifications under your belt.

At the end of your Apprenticeship, you will be a Junior Journalist and you will be graded with Pass, Merit or Distinction. The Journalism Apprenticeship qualification will be Level 3 Diploma in Journalism, awarded by the NCTJ (National Council for the Training of Journalists). This diploma is recognised throughout the industry.

If you didn’t achieve this previously, you will also need to achieve Level 2 Maths and English before completing your Apprenticeship. This is the equivalent of Grades A-C at GCSE.

Some of the core skills you will develop during Apprenticeships in Journalism are:
  • How to carry out research and interviews
  • How to write in an engaging way
  • How to produce content for digital platforms
  • How to work to tight deadlines and get your story right first time
  • How to work within the law and with integrity
  • How to take notes and gather information to produce a story
  • Understanding the ‘news business’ and keeping in touch with latest developments within the industry
There are different pathways you can choose during your Journalism Apprenticeship. Your chosen pathway could be determined by either the journalism jobs you are already doing or the type of role you would like to work in in the future. Those pathways are:

Print and Associated Digital Platforms
  • Some employers may require you to learn shorthand for this pathway
  • You will also learn how to take adequate photographs for publication
  • You will report from different settings
  • You will produce engaging stories
  • Have a knowledge of regulation
TV/Radio and Associated Digital Platforms
  • You will produce compliant and engaging stories
  • Write and transcribe shorthand
  • Understand interview techniques
  • Have an awareness of the basic setup of radio and TV studios
  • Understand broadcasting technology
  • Demonstrate a good working knowledge of the principle of broadcasting and the regulations
Public Relations, Corporate communications and Associated Digital Platforms
  • Understand how journalism in this field differs to that of others
  • Be able to transcribe shorthand (for some employers)
  • Be able to prepare content for press releases and social media etc
  • You will have a good understanding of the business you work for
  • Be able to act as a facilitator between the media and your employer
Further Career Progression After Journalism Apprenticeships
Once you have completed the Level 3 Apprenticeships in Journalism, it doesn’t have to stop there. Depending on your employer, if you are doing sports journalism or travel journalism jobs, you could go on to become deputy editor or senior editor for your publication. Or you could progress from local TV and radio to work for a national broadcaster.

Not all journalists work for one employer. Some people prefer the freedom of freelance journalism jobs. Freelance journalism jobs mean you will source your own stories on subjects you are passionate about and pitch those stories to the relevant publications or broadcasters.

If you want to achieve senior status as a journalist, then it is also possible to complete the NQJ (National Qualification in Journalism). This will demonstrate to employers that you have at least 18 months experience and you are qualified to apply for senior journalism jobs.

Apply For Journalism Apprenticeships In The UK
If you think you have got what it takes to succeed in the competitive but exciting world of journalism, get your foot in the door now by applying for Journalism Apprenticeships.

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