The 2024 Financial Times Newsroom Apprentice programme, in partnership with the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N), is now open to applicants. The apprenticeship is for people without a degree.
The 18 month programme, now in its second year, is aimed at giving those from minority ethnic backgrounds and disadvantaged socio-economic groups a head start in their journalism career. Applications from candidates living in the Greater Manchester area are particularly welcome.
The successful candidate will receive funding to study for an NCTJ journalism qualification while working at the Manchester Evening News and the FT. They will receive a £23,933 pro rata salary, paid for study towards the NCTJ level 5 qualification through the apprenticeship scheme, 30 days annual leave, a dedicated FT mentor throughout the programme and access to FT Employee Networks.
FT assistant editor and head of newsroom diversity Veronica Kan-Dapaah said: “We’re thrilled to open applications for this year’s Newsroom Apprentice programme and continue championing diversity and inclusion at the FT. Our ongoing partnership with the M.E.N has enabled the successful delivery of the programme in its first year and we look forward to helping the next successful candidate thrive in their journalism career.”
Manchester Evening News editor Sarah Lester said: “We have brought trusted news to Manchester for more than 150 years through our print and now our digital-first operation. 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 with the progress of our first trainee and looking forward to working with the FT to find and develop our next candidate.”
The Financial Times and the M.E.N. are committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We 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. The closing date is 9 May.
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For more information, please contact: Poppy Cooper | poppy.cooper@ft.com
About the Financial Times
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading business news organisations, recognised internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a record paying readership of 1.2 million, more than one million of which are digital subscriptions. It is part of Nikkei Inc., which provides a broad range of information, news and services for the global business community.
About the Manchester Evening News
At the Manchester Evening News we tell the stories that matter. That’s why we’re the biggest regional news website in the country, with a bigger audience than some of the country’s best-known national brands. Our award-winning storytelling makes a difference - like our investigation into the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, which has led to changes in the law which will benefit tens of thousands of social housing tenants. Our journalism is rooted in hard news reporting, real life features, and issue-led campaigns. From the cost of living, to sport, shopping, what’s on and TV, we’re dedicated to telling the people of Greater Manchester - and beyond - what they want to know. Industry awards like the Society of Editors’ Regional Press Awards celebrate the work of our team - earning honours including Feature Writer of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year and Scoop of the Year. But it’s what our readers think that really drives us. With a unique northern perspective on national news and issues, the M.E.N is the country’s local paper.