Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6 - BBC Studios - TopGear.com - London in City of London

Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6 - BBC Studios - TopGear.com - London in City of London

City of London Apprenticeship 18900 - 21000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
BBC Group and Public Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Write and publish engaging stories for TopGear.com while learning from industry experts.
  • Company: Join the BBC Studios, a leader in global media and storytelling.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and 25 days annual leave.
  • Other info: Inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Kick-start your journalism career with hands-on experience at a renowned entertainment brand.
  • Qualifications: Passion for journalism and creativity; no formal qualifications required.

The predicted salary is between 18900 - 21000 £ per year.

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Apprenticeship, Full-time for 24 months

Location: London - Television Centre

Salary: £22,950 (+£5,441 London Weighting)

WE ARE BBC STUDIOS

A globally renowned media company borne of the BBC. We make and distribute the world’s most sought-after TV, audio and digital content. Our ambition is to be the home of the most powerful, entertaining, and inspiring stories for people all around the world.

COULD A BBC APPRENTICESHIP BE THE NEXT ROLE FOR YOU?

Join us as an apprentice at BBC Studios to give yourself the opportunity to kick‑start a career in a job you’ll love. We’re committed to your skills and talent development. You’ll learn on‑the‑job, developing your knowledge and skills in an area that interests you, while working towards your apprenticeship qualification with one of our learning providers.

WHY JOIN THIS SCHEME?

The Journalist Apprenticeship offers gold standard training for people already demonstrating their journalistic potential and looking to develop advanced journalism skills. You’ll master essential journalistic techniques; including researching, writing, and broadcasting stories across a wide range of topics. Alongside all of this, you’ll also be learning from, and working day‑to‑day with, experienced industry professionals, while working towards a Level 6 Apprenticeship and the industry‑recognised NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ).

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

TopGear.com is one of the world’s biggest motoring websites reaching millions of users across the world. It is part of a wider Top Gear ecosystem that sees hundreds of stories told across multiple formats, all delivered in Top Gear’s entertaining, irreverent and informative tone. As an apprentice, you’ll get stuck into everything TopGear.com covers, including sourcing, writing and publishing news and features tailored for the Top Gear audience.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT

  • Gain valuable experience writing for a dynamic digital platform
  • Develop key digital editorial skills including sourcing, researching, writing and publishing stories across a range of motoring topics to a tight deadline
  • Learn and gain valuable insight from a variety of experts within the motoring field at a world‑renowned entertainment brand.

This immersive programme (JOA26) blends expert‑led tuition with hands‑on experience and tailored development support. You’ll cover core modules – such as research techniques and source evaluation, data analytics, multimedia content creation, media law, and more – equipping you with the skills today’s newsrooms demand. As part of your end‑point assessment, you'll also work towards the prestigious NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ), a benchmark of excellence across the industry.

YOUR SKILLS AND ELIGIBILITY

We’re interested in your passion for working at the BBC and your enthusiasm for delivering world‑class content and operational excellence to our audiences. We’re not focused on your qualifications; instead, we look for potential and offer you the opportunity to apply your transferable strengths and experience to work in different ways. We’re looking for people in the early stages of their journalistic career who can demonstrate their journalism and storytelling skills in a variety of ways. You might be writing articles for a local or student newspaper or website, working at a radio station with news content, blogging, vlogging or creating social media content. You might also have the NCTJ Diploma or another Journalism qualification such as the Level 5 Journalist Apprenticeship.

If you can bring some of these skills and experiences, along with transferable strengths, we’d love to hear from you and encourage you to apply:

  • Already possess and demonstrate journalistic skills
  • Are open and curious about the motoring world how it’s changing
  • Have original, creative and entertaining ideas for ways to reach new audiences
  • Regularly read, watch and listen to motoring news across all platforms
  • Are flexible, motivated and have an adaptable approach to the pace of work.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible for an apprenticeship at the BBC, you must:

  • Be 18 years old or over by the time the apprenticeship begins in September 2026
  • Have lived in the UK continuously for the last 3 years prior to the start of the apprenticeship
  • Be legally eligible to work full‑time in the UK for the entire duration of the apprenticeship
  • Not currently be enrolled in another apprenticeship programme, whether with the BBC or another organisation.

To apply for this scheme, you must also:

  • Not previously have completed any elements of the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ)
  • Have achieved English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above; or National 5 (Scotland) at C or Functional Skills Level 2; or equivalent qualification.

For candidates under the age of 19 years at 8th September 2026:

To complete the apprenticeship, you must have achieved Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above or National 5 (Scotland) at C or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent qualification. If you have not achieved these qualifications by the start of your apprenticeship, you will be required to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 before the end of your apprenticeship when you take your end‑point assessment.

READY TO APPLY?

Don’t leave yourself wondering “what if?” this could be your chance to be part of something exciting. See yourself thriving in this role? Just click ‘Apply Now’! You’ll create a candidate profile and answer a few questions – no CV or cover letter needed. If you're eligible, we’ll guide you through the next steps of the process and what to expect. You’ll need to live within a commutable distance of where this role is based. Interested in a different location? Check out our other adverts – but please only apply to one. This is a fixed‑term apprenticeship – your contract lasts for the duration of the scheme. Once completed, you’ll be supported with career development, employability training, and networking opportunities to help you take your next step – whether that’s at the BBC or elsewhere in the industry.

At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world’s best loved content, and the BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain. Life at BBC includes excellent career and professional development, fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a 35‑hour working week, 25 days annual leave (26 days for BBC Studios), a range of policies to support your work/life balance, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.

You belong. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, so all our employees feel that they can belong, thrive and achieve their full potential. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity. We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‑economic background, religion and/or belief.

We take inclusivity seriously and want to ensure all candidates who are disabled or have long‑term health conditions receive the support and adjustments they need. If you need to discuss adjustments or access requirements for the recruitment process, or to carry out this role, please contact us via the Early Careers Recruitment contact form and we’d be happy to discuss how we can support you through the process.

Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6 - BBC Studios - TopGear.com - London in City of London employer: BBC Group and Public Services

At BBC Studios, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Journalist Apprentice, you'll benefit from gold standard training, hands-on experience, and the opportunity to learn from industry experts in the heart of London, all while enjoying competitive pay, flexible benefits, and a commitment to your professional growth within a diverse and inclusive environment.

BBC Group and Public Services

Contact Details:

BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6 - BBC Studios - TopGear.com - London in City of London

Get Involved with Local Journalism

Join local journalism groups or communities, like student press associations or media clubs. Not only will this help you build connections, but you might also get the chance to contribute to local publications, which can really boost your portfolio.

Attending Media Events

Keep an eye out for media-related events, workshops, or panel discussions happening in your area. These are golden opportunities to meet industry professionals, and who knows, you might even find someone from BBC Group and Public Services there sharing insights!

Leverage Your School's Career Services

Since you’re going for an apprenticeship, make sure to tap into your school’s career services. They often have connections with companies like BBC Group and Public Services and can help you access exclusive opportunities or sessions that aren’t widely advertised.

Showcase Your Passion Online

Start a blog or create a social media profile where you can showcase your work or share thoughts on current events. This digital portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters at places like BBC Group and Public Services, especially if you're consistent and authentic!

We think you need these skills to ace Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6 - BBC Studios - TopGear.com - London in City of London

Journalistic Skills
Research Techniques
Writing Skills
Digital Editorial Skills
Data Analytics
Multimedia Content Creation
Media Law Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write compelling stories is crucial. Make sure your CV includes samples of your writing, whether that's articles, blog posts, or even school projects. This will help us see your style and how well you can communicate ideas.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Even for an apprenticeship, any relevant experience counts! If you've contributed to a school newspaper, been involved in media projects, or even created content on social media, mention it in your application. This shows us your enthusiasm for journalism and media beyond just your studies.

Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express why you're keen on this apprenticeship with BBC Group and Public Services. Talk about what draws you to journalism and how you hope to learn and grow in this role. We want to know your motivation and that you’re excited about the journey to becoming a journalist!

Dress Up Your Portfolio:If you've got a portfolio of your work, don't be shy about showcasing it! Include links to your best pieces or any multimedia content you’ve created. This is your chance to really shine and give us a taste of your creativity and journalistic flair!

How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services

Polish Your Portfolio with Real Examples

Before heading to your interview for the journalism-media apprenticeship at BBC Group and Public Services, make sure your portfolio shines! Compile your best articles, videos, or social media campaigns. Be ready to discuss these pieces in-depth; editors want to see what you've done, how you approached it, and your unique voice and style.

Stay Up-to-Date with Media Trends

Since you're aiming for a role in journalism-media, being in tune with current trends and industry changes is key. Spend some time before the interview reading up on the latest happenings, whether it’s shifts in digital storytelling or the rise of podcasting as a medium. It shows your commitment and enthusiasm for the field!

Focus on Your Learning Potential

As an apprentice, your eagerness to learn is what they'll be looking at most! During the interview, highlight any relevant experience but stress how much you're ready to absorb and grow. Think about examples where you've learnt quickly or adapted to feedback—these show your potential as a budding journalist.

Practice Your Storytelling Skills

In journalism, storytelling is everything. Prepare to showcase your ability to tell a compelling story—this could be through a piece you've written or even just how you narrate your own journey in the interview. They'll want to see that you can capture an audience's attention, so give it your all!