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

This is a fixed-term, full-time apprenticeship lasting 24 months.

Location: Belfast - Broadcasting House

Salary: £26,000 per year

This role is part of the BBC Extend programme, specifically for disabled people. To apply, you must identify as deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent and meet the definition of disability under the Equality Act (2010) or the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) if applying in Northern Ireland. This includes impairments with a substantial and long-term negative effect on daily activities, covering both apparent and non-apparent conditions.

The BBC is committed to accessibility throughout the application and employment process. If you require adjustments or have questions about the Extend programme, please contact us via the Early Careers Recruitment contact form.

About the Apprenticeship

This Level 6 Journalist Apprenticeship offers the chance to kick-start your career in journalism. You will gain on-the-job experience while working towards a Level 6 apprenticeship and the industry-recognised NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ).

Why Join?

• Industry-Leading Training: Learn from experienced journalists and work towards a Level 6 apprenticeship and the NCTJ NQJ.
• Hands-On Experience: Contribute to trusted and impactful journalism for BBC audiences, covering current affairs, business, sport, culture, and politics.
• Career Development: Develop advanced journalism skills in a fast-paced newsroom and be supported with career development, employability training, and networking opportunities upon completion.

What You'll Do

• Play a key role in creating high-quality news content.
• Research, write, and produce stories across various subjects.
• Collaborate with expert teams and learn from experienced journalists.
• Study modules such as Media Law, Advanced Newsgathering, Advanced Storytelling, and Advanced Audience.
• Prepare for two exams and a logbook of work for the NQJ.

Weekly virtual webinars and in-person bootcamps in London are part of the training.

Skills and Eligibility

We are looking for passion and enthusiasm for delivering world-class content. While formal qualifications are not the primary focus, we value potential and transferable strengths. Demonstrating journalistic skills, a passion for storytelling, an interest in people and world issues, creative ideas, and motivation, adaptability, and resilience are encouraged.

Previous experience through community or student media (newspapers, radio, blogs, podcasts, social media) is beneficial.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be 18 or over by September 2027.
• Have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years.
• Be legally eligible to work full-time in the UK.
• Not currently enrolled in another apprenticeship.
• Not have completed qualifications in the apprenticeship subject at the same or higher level.
• Identify as disabled under the Equality Act (2010) or Disability Discrimination Act (1995) (if applying in NI).
• Not have previously completed any elements of the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ).
• Achieved English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• Candidates under 19 must also have achieved Maths GCSE at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). If not achieved by the start, Functional Skills Level 2 must be obtained by the end of the apprenticeship.

How to Apply

Click ‘Apply Now’ to create a candidate profile and answer a few questions. No CV or cover letter is required.

Relocation support may be available for those who meet financial eligibility criteria.

Upon completion, you will be able to apply for suitable vacancies within the BBC or the wider creative industry.