The Financial Times (FT) Newsroom Apprentice programme, in partnership with the Manchester Evening News (MEN), is seeking applicants living in the Greater Manchester area.
Those from from minority ethnic backgrounds and disadvantaged socio-economic groups are particularly welcome to apply to the scheme, which aims to help young people start a career in journalism. This apprenticeship is for people without a degree.
FT assistant editor and head of newsroom diversity Veronica Kan-Dapaah said: “At the FT we are making good progress in our efforts to become a more diverse organisation and promote inclusion, but there is always more work to be done. This programme will provide an excellent foundation for an aspiring journalist – and as a thriving and diverse city with a rich cultural history, Manchester will provide unique challenges and opportunities for a trainee journalist. We appreciate the support of the Manchester Evening News, which has a history of producing outstanding reporters.”
MEN editor Sarah Lester added: “We have brought trusted news to Manchester for more than 150 years and now our digital-first operation has meant we reach more people than at any time in our history. We have a hugely experienced content desk with a track record of developing trainees and supporting them to become highly-skilled journalists. We are delighted to be working with the FT on this exciting project.”
The successful candidate for the 18-month programme will receive funding to study for an NCTJ journalism qualification while working at the MEN and the FT. They will receive a £21,749 p/a pro rata salary, paid for study towards the NCTJ level 5 qualification through the apprenticeship scheme, accommodation in London, 30 days annual leave, a dedicated FT mentor throughout the programme and access to FT Employee Networks.
They will initially spend four months in London studying for the NCTJ level 5 journalist qualification, including one day a week in the FT’s London newsroom. They will then return to Manchester for seven months training as a reporter with the MEN, before retunring to London once again to spend four months training at a Financial Times specialist publication, such as Investors Chronicle. The final three months of the programme will then be spent working alongside FT journalists in the field and newsroom.
The FT and the MEN are committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all and are equal opportunity employers seeking to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion or beliefs.
Full details about the scheme and how to apply are available here.
