Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6 - BBC Northern Ireland News - Belfast

Join the BBC as an apprentice to kick-start your career in journalism. You will learn on-the-job, developing your knowledge and skills while working towards an apprenticeship qualification.

Why Join This Scheme?

The BBC Level 6 Journalist Apprenticeship offers emerging journalists the opportunity to advance their skills through industry-leading training and hands-on experience. You will work with industry experts to contribute to trusted and impactful journalism, and work towards a Level 6 apprenticeship and the industry-recognised NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ).

Why Join the Team?

At BBC News, you will tell stories that inform, educate, and engage audiences. As a Level 6 Journalism Apprentice, you will develop your skills within a fast-paced, innovative newsroom, gaining hands-on experience creating quality news and current affairs content for the BBC.

Your Key Responsibilities and Impact

• Play a key role in creating trusted, high-quality news content for BBC audiences.
• Grow your storytelling expertise through hands-on experience researching, writing, and producing stories on subjects ranging from current affairs and business to sport, culture, and politics.
• Learn from experienced journalists, contribute to stories which matter to the public, collaborate with expert teams, and develop your career at the world's leading public service media organisation.

You will study for your industry-recognised apprenticeship qualification, learning both on and off the job. This involves weekly virtual webinars and in-person bootcamps at PA Media Academy in London. Modules include Media Law, Advanced Newsgathering, Advanced Storytelling, and Advanced Audience, working towards the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ), assessed through two exams and a logbook of work.

Your Skills and Eligibility

We are interested in your passion for working at the BBC and your enthusiasm for delivering world-class content. We look for potential and transferable strengths. If you can demonstrate:

• Strong journalistic skills and a passion for storytelling.
• Active following of sports news across a range of platforms.
• A fascination with people, communities, and the issues shaping the world.
• Fresh, creative ideas for engaging and reaching new audiences.
• Motivation, adaptability, and resilience in a fast-paced environment.

Experience gained through a community or student newspaper, radio station, blog, vlog, podcast, or social media content creation is welcomed. We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including those who have completed the NCTJ Diploma, a Level 5 Journalist Apprenticeship, or another journalism qualification.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for an apprenticeship at the BBC, you must:

• Be 18 years old or over by the time the apprenticeship begins in September 2027.
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years prior to the start of the apprenticeship.
• Be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK for the entire duration of the apprenticeship.
• Not currently be enrolled in another apprenticeship programme.
• Not already hold a qualification in the same subject area at the same or a higher level than this apprenticeship.

To apply, you must also:

• Not have previously completed any elements of the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ).
• Have achieved English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above; or National 5 (Scotland) at C or Functional Skills Level 2; or equivalent qualification.

Candidates under 19 at the start of the apprenticeship must have achieved Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above or National 5 (Scotland) at C or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent. If not achieved by the start, you will be required to achieve Functional Skills Level 2 before the end of the apprenticeship.

Applying

Click ‘Apply Now’ to create a candidate profile and answer a few questions – no CV or cover letter needed. If eligible, you will be guided through the next steps.

You’ll need to live within a commutable distance of Belfast. Relocation support is available for those who meet financial eligibility criteria.

This is a fixed-term apprenticeship for 24 months. Upon completion, you will be supported with career development, employability training, and networking opportunities to help you take your next step.

Disabled applicants who choose to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and meet the minimum criteria will normally be progressed to the next stage.