Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 - BBC Radio Bristol - Bristol

Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 - BBC Radio Bristol - Bristol

Bristol Apprenticeship 24650 £ / year On-site
BBC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create compelling stories and learn from experienced journalists at BBC Radio Bristol.
  • Company: Join the BBC, the world's leading public service media organisation.
  • Benefits: Earn £24,650, gain qualifications, and enjoy hands-on experience in journalism.
  • Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with excellent career growth opportunities and relocation support available.
  • Why this job: Kick-start your journalism career with real-world experience and industry-recognised qualifications.
  • Qualifications: Passion for storytelling and a keen interest in news; no specific qualifications required.

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

Department: BBC Radio Bristol

Location:  Bristol - Broadcasting House

Salary: £24,650

COULD A BBC APPRENTICESHIP BE THE NEXT ROLE FOR YOU? 

Join us as an apprentice at the BBC to give yourself the opportunity to kick-start your 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, whilst working towards your apprenticeship qualification with one of our learning providers. 

WHY JOIN THIS SCHEME? 

The Junior Journalist Apprenticeship (JRA27) is perfect for curious and creative individuals with a passion for storytelling. Whether you're finishing school, college, or exploring an alternative to university, this programme offers an exciting opportunity to kick-start your journalism career with the world's leading public service media organisation.

You'll gain hands-on experience covering stories that matter to audiences, learning from experienced journalists and developing the skills needed to create trusted journalism.  

Alongside this, you’ll work towards both the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and a Level 5 apprenticeship qualification.

Want to find out more? Watch recordings from our webinar series on our Life at the BBC YouTube playlist to learn more about this scheme and other opportunities we offer, and hear from current apprentices about their experiences.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT 

 As a Junior Journalist apprentice, this is a brilliant opportunity to learn, grow and contribute. On this team you can expect to: 

  • Work alongside experienced journalists developing your skills while creating high-quality content.
  • Get hands on experience including researching stories, booking guests and writing briefs.  
  • Discover and develop compelling stories, assisting with interviews that bring important issues to life for diverse audiences.
  • Learn from industry experts at the world's largest public service broadcaster.

    You’ll study for your industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification, learning both on and off the job. 

This involves weekly virtual webinars + in-person bootcamps at PA Media Academy in London. 

You’ll cover a range of modules for the NCTJ Diploma including: 

  • Media Law
  • Essential Journalism
  • Broadcast Journalism
  • Journalism for a Digital Audience
  • Video Journalism 

Modules will be assessed through exams, coursework and a portfolio of work.  

For more information on what you will study during the scheme, please see the Journalism Apprenticeship Standard.

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 experiences to work in different ways. 

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:

  • You're naturally curious about people and what’s happening in the world around you, with a keen interest in news.
  • You’re full of creative ideas and enjoy finding innovative ways to tell engaging stories.
  • You love finding things out, asking questions and getting to the heart of a story.
  • You have a real enthusiasm for writing and enjoy communicating complex ideas in a clear compelling way.
  • You thrive in a fast-paced environment, bringing flexibility, motivation and a willingness to adapt as priorities change.

This scheme is aimed at non-graduates. If you have a degree and you’re interested in similar roles at the BBC, we recommend applying for jobs at the BBC careers site or having a look at our other apprenticeship schemes. 

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 2027.
  • Have lived in the UK continuously for the last three 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.
  • Not already hold a qualification in the same subject area at the same or a higher level than this apprenticeship.  

 To apply for this scheme, you must also:

  • Not have completed or be studying for the NCTJ diploma or a journalism qualification at the same level or higher.
  • 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 the start of the apprenticeship: 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 to pass the apprenticeship.   

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. 

The BBC recognises that you may need to relocate to a new location to take up a BBC Apprenticeship scheme. The cost of relocating can be a barrier for some applicants and where that is a barrier to participation, we want to help where we can. To help ensure our apprenticeship opportunities are accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds, a limited number of relocation support awards are available each year for those who meet our financial eligibility criteria.  Relocation financial support is available for this role, subject to meeting the financial eligibility criteria. Further information will be shared with applicants during the recruitment process. Details on the wider support, initiatives and networks available at the BBC can be found on our careers site.

This is a fixed-term apprenticeship - your contract lasts for the duration of the scheme. Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you will be able to apply for any suitable open vacancies at the BBC or outside in the wider creative industry. You’ll be supported with career development, employability training, and networking opportunities to help you take your next step.

For apprenticeship opportunities, disabled applicants who choose to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and who meet the minimum criteria for the role will normally be progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process. For most of our campaigns, this would be an online assessment designed to assess your skills, motivations and suitability for the role.  Further details can be found in the FAQs section of our careers site.

Disclaimer
This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Our apprenticeship roles are also subject to you having the require qualifications that we have deemed to be necessary for your role and the requirement of the training provider for your scheme.  The offer would be subject to you undergoing and meeting the requirements of a skill scan process with the BBC nominated training provider to determine your eligibility.

Please note: If you were to be offered this role, the BBC will conduct Employment screening checks which include Reference checks; Eligibility to work checks; and if applicable to the role, Safeguarding and Adverse media/Social media checks. Any offer made is conditional on these checks being satisfactory.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Recruitment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.

We are unable to accept applications via CV and only applications made online will be considered. Please click on the APPLY NOW button to proceed with your application. Please also state StudySmarter as your source when you apply

Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 - BBC Radio Bristol - Bristol employer: BBC

The BBC is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, encouraging creativity and collaboration among its team members. Based in the picturesque city of Inverness, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside the unique opportunity to engage with local communities through impactful storytelling in both Gaelic and English. With a commitment to innovation and excellence in journalism, the BBC offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about making a difference in the media landscape.

BBC

Contact Details:

BBC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 - BBC Radio Bristol - Bristol

✨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 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 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, especially if you're consistent and authentic!

We think you need these skills to ace Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 - BBC Radio Bristol - Bristol

Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Teamwork
Customer Service Skills

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. 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

✨Polish Your Portfolio with Real Examples

Before heading to your interview for the journalism-media apprenticeship at BBC, 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!