Junior Journalist Apprenticeship (Journalism)

Location: Birmingham - The Mailbox; candidates must live within a commutable distance of the role and in the area of the show. Weekly virtual webinars and in-person bootcamps take place at PA Media Academy in London.

Salary: £24,650 per year

Company

hirify.global Radio West Midlands is part of the hirify.global, a public service media organisation producing trusted content to inform, educate and entertain audiences.

What you will do

• Research stories, book guests, write briefs, and develop compelling content.
• Assist with interviews and create journalism for diverse audiences.
• Listen to music, edit audio, and support live and pre-recorded radio programmes.
• Create content and support live events while learning from experienced journalists.
• Attend weekly webinars and in-person bootcamps while completing the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and Level 5 apprenticeship qualification.

Requirements

• Be a non-graduate aged 18 or over by the apprenticeship start in September 2027.
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the three years before the apprenticeship starts and be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK for the full apprenticeship.
• Have an interest in news, curiosity about people and current events, creative storytelling ideas, and enthusiasm for writing and clear communication.
• Be flexible, motivated, organised, creative, and able to work under pressure in a fast-paced broadcasting environment.
• Have a passion for discovering new music and be willing to support music listening, programme production, content creation, audio editing, and live events.
• Must not be enrolled in another apprenticeship, hold an equivalent or higher qualification in the same subject, or have completed or be studying for the NCTJ Diploma or an equivalent/higher-level journalism qualification.
• Have English GCSE Grade 4/C or above, National 5 at C, Functional Skills Level 2, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates under 19 at the start must also meet the equivalent Maths requirement to complete the apprenticeship.

Nice to have

• Transferable strengths and experience relevant to journalism, storytelling, research, interviewing, or content creation.

Culture & Benefits

• Fixed-term, full-time apprenticeship lasting 24 months, with on-the-job and off-the-job learning.
• Industry-recognised training through the hirify.global Academy and learning providers, with mentoring from industry professionals.
• 35-hour working week, 25 days of annual leave, pension scheme, discounted dental, healthcare and gym benefits, and work-life balance policies.
• Career development, employability training, networking opportunities, apprenticeship development days, and access to the hirify.global Apprenticeship community.
• Relocation financial support may be available subject to financial eligibility criteria.

Hiring process

• Apply online by 24 November 2026; applications are limited to one hirify.global apprenticeship location.
• Create a candidate profile and answer application questions; no CV or cover letter is required.
• Successful applicants may complete an online assessment and must pass the training provider skill scan, employment screening, eligibility checks, and any applicable safeguarding or adverse media checks.