Newsroom Apprentice

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

 

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The role

The Financial Times apprenticeship scheme is now open to applications! 

This scheme is aimed at helping young people from under-represented groups start a career in journalism. We are particularly keen to hear from people from minority ethnic backgrounds and those from disadvantaged socio-economic households.

This apprenticeship is for people who do not have a degree or a university application. Candidates who have applications for a degree currently under consideration or who are attending university, are not eligible. 

You will study for an NCTJ qualification while working at the Manchester Evening News and the FT, under the 18-month apprenticeship scheme. 

We are looking for people who would like to develop a deep knowledge of current affairs and business, are curious, persistent, seek out the truth and feel suited to working to the tight deadlines and the pressures of a modern newsroom. You will also be able to adapt to different environments - the apprenticeship involves living, at different times, in London and Manchester.

Due to the partnership with M.E.N., we are especially interested in applications from candidates living in the Greater Manchester area.

What we are offering

• £28, 808 p.a 
• Paid-for study towards the NCTJ level 5 qualification through the apprenticeship scheme
• Training at the Manchester Evening News and the FT
• Some accommodation support available  
• 30 days annual leave
• A dedicated FT mentor throughout the programme
• Access to FT Employee Networks

What you’ll do

Begin with 4 months study in London for the NCTJ level 5 journalist qualification (this industry-recognised standard is the equivalent of second year university and includes the NCTJ diploma). One day a week will be spent in the Financial Times’ London newsroom.

• You will then spend 6 months training as a reporter in Manchester with the Manchester Evening News.
• Return to London to spend 4 months training in a Financial Times specialist publication, such as Investors Chronicle.
• A further 4 months working alongside FT journalists in the field and newsroom

Timings may be subject to change

Who we are looking for

• You will be aged 18 years or over by 1 September 2025
• You have been awarded good Level 3 qualifications by September 2025

Suitable qualifications include:

• 2 A levels
• 4 AS levels
• NVQ
• BTEC
• Applied General Qualification
• International Baccalaureate diploma
• Access to higher education diploma 
• T Level
• Tech level

You must also:

• Have achieved GCSE 5 for Maths and 7 for English language
• Have the right to work in the UK 

We are looking for someone who is:

• Curious about people, governments, business and money
• Open-minded and interested in different perspectives
• Truth-seeker
• Willing to learn
• Conscientious, hard-working and diligent 
• Resilient and flexible
• Strong communication skills, especially good written and spoken English
• Able to adapt to different environments (the apprenticeship involves living, at different times, in London and Manchester) 

To apply, please submit:

• CV: including any languages, data and social media skills 
• Cover Letter: telling us why you think you'd make a great reporter

The deadline for applications is 21 May 2025.

 

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism.  Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.  

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. 

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

 

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

 

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

 

About the Manchester Evening News

The Manchester Evening News is the biggest regional news website in the country, larger than some national brands. We tell the stories that matter to the people of Greater Manchester and beyond. Our journalism is rooted in hard news reporting, people-focused real life features, and issue-led campaigns. We have a strong cost of living, shopping, what’s on and TV offering. 

The MEN also  provides a unique northern perspective on national news and issues. Our site has been widely recognised with industry awards.

The Manchester Evening News is based in Oldham, close to Chadderton Metrolink stop and accessible by bus. We also work on a hybrid model with Tuesday-Thursday office based, but we would hope you would spend as much time as possible out on your patch once you have settled in. All our junior reporters are mentored by a senior reporter and a content editor to support fast development.

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