Junior Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 5 (Journalism)

Location: Cardiff - 3 Central Square; you must live within a commutable distance of the role and be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK for the entire apprenticeship. The programme includes in-person bootcamps at PA Media Academy in London and may involve travel across the UK.

Salary: £24,650

Company

hirify.global Wales News is part of the hirify.global, a public service media organisation producing trusted journalism for diverse audiences.

What you will do

• Work alongside experienced journalists while creating high-quality news content.
• Research stories, book guests, write briefs, and assist with interviews.
• Discover and develop compelling stories that bring important issues to life for diverse audiences.
• Study for the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism and Level 5 apprenticeship qualification through weekly virtual webinars and in-person training.
• Complete assessments through exams, coursework, and a journalism portfolio.

Requirements

• Be a non-graduate and be at least 18 years old by the apprenticeship start in September 2027.
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the three years before the apprenticeship starts.
• Be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK for the entire 24-month apprenticeship.
• Not be enrolled in another apprenticeship and not already hold a qualification in the same subject area at the same or higher level.
• Not have completed or be studying for the NCTJ Diploma or a journalism qualification at the same or higher level.
• Have English GCSE Grade 4/C or above, National 5 at C, Functional Skills Level 2, or an equivalent qualification.
• For candidates under 19 at the start, have the required Maths and English qualification to complete the apprenticeship.
• Show curiosity about people and current events, creative storytelling ability, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment.

Nice to have

• No additional optional qualifications are specified; transferable strengths and potential are valued over formal qualifications.

Culture & Benefits

• Fixed-term, full-time apprenticeship lasting 24 months with a 35-hour working week.
• Industry-recognised qualification, hirify.global Academy training, mentoring, a dedicated Team Manager and Scheme Specialist, and employability and networking support.
• 25 days of annual leave, pension, discounted dental, healthcare and gym benefits, and work-life balance policies.
• Inclusive, values-based working environment with support for disabled applicants and reasonable adjustments.
• Relocation financial support may be available subject to financial eligibility criteria.

Hiring process

• Apply online by creating a candidate profile and answering questions; no CV or cover letter is required.
• Only online applications are accepted, and applicants should apply to only one hirify.global apprenticeship location.
• Selection may include an online assessment, skill scan, eligibility checks, references, and other relevant employment screening.