At a Glance
- Tasks: Create compelling news stories and learn from industry professionals at the BBC.
- Company: Join the BBC, a leading creative and tech-savvy organisation.
- Benefits: Earn a Level 6 Apprenticeship and gain valuable journalism qualifications.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with over 250 apprentices hired annually and excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your journalism career with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: GCSE in English and Maths required; passion for storytelling is key.
Join the BBC as a Journalist Apprentice and gain hands-on experience creating news and current affairs content. Learn to research, write and broadcast stories while working with industry professionals. Earn a Level 6 Apprenticeship and the NCTJ qualification as you build advanced journalism skills.
Responsibilities
- Identify and use techniques to extract compelling stories from data sets, social media and reports.
- Undertake thorough research before reporting to ensure that content is accurate, compelling and verifiable.
- Identify, select and use multiple sources of information, cross-checking and corroborating when necessary.
- Present data stories in a visual way that helps the target audience understand the subject matter.
- Research, evaluate and select methods and platforms to tell stories that meet strategic goals.
- Produce content in accordance with legal, regulatory and organisational requirements.
- Make decisions and judgments at speed and under pressure regarding story presentation.
- Assess legal or regulatory issues and take responsibility for publication actions.
- Interrogate sources of information to establish the demographic profile of the target audience.
- Use contacts to find exclusive stories and verify information.
- Develop strategies to handle contacts and maintain loyalty.
- Monitor relevant social media and seek new sources of user-generated content.
- Evaluate social media platforms and maintain the correct tone for the content.
- Produce stories that resonate with the audience as measured by analytics and interaction.
- Undertake different types of interviews to extract information.
- Critically analyse answers from interviewees to inform questioning.
- Ensure material from outside sources is verified and presented correctly.
- Critically evaluate work to ensure multimedia content meets industry standards.
- Format and edit material to meet audience needs and reduce editing costs.
- Proactively develop and maintain professional competence.
- Lead the team in producing authentic and verifiable content.
- Research and set performance indicators for the team.
- Seek constructive feedback about performance.
- Build engagement and develop high-performance cultures.
- Work through complex editorial situations demonstrating well-developed editorial judgement.
- Produce video or audio content that adds value to the story.
Training Schedule
You will study for your industry-recognised Level 7 Apprenticeship qualification, learning both on- and off-the-job. The Journalist Apprenticeship scheme follows the Senior Journalist Apprenticeship Standard and combines academic training with practical experience.
Areas of study include:
- Advanced Reporting Skills
- Media Law and Ethics
- Teamwork
- Leadership and Communication
- Broadcast Journalism
- Data Journalism
- Multi-media Storytelling
- Digital, Social and Mobile Journalism
To complete the apprenticeship there is also an End Point Assessment (EPA) which includes a journalism project and a professional discussion based on a portfolio of evidence.
Qualifications
GCSE in English and Maths (grade 4/C or above). Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience.
Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Logical thinking
- Team working
- Creativity
- Initiative
- Non-judgmental attitude
- Patience
About the Employer
We are a leading early careers employer and hire more than 250 apprentices each year. We are committed to skills and talent development both inside and outside the BBC. A career at the BBC means learning from the best. We want people who show potential to join us at the BBC.
Journalist Apprenticeship employer: The Bbc
The BBC is an exceptional employer for aspiring journalists, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. With a commitment to professional development, apprentices benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship from industry leaders, and the opportunity to earn recognised qualifications while working in a collaborative environment. Located at the heart of the media landscape, the BBC provides unique access to cutting-edge resources and a diverse audience, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in journalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Journalist Apprenticeship
✨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 The 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 The 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 The Bbc, especially if you're consistent and authentic!
We think you need these skills to ace Journalist Apprenticeship
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 The 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 The Bbc
✨Polish Your Portfolio with Real Examples
Before heading to your interview for the journalism-media apprenticeship at The 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!
