May 31, 2013

Independent and Evening Standard advertise for three school-leavers to sign up as journalism apprentices

The Independent and Evening Standard group has today started advertising for three journalism apprenticeship positions.

The scheme is open to young people, between the ages of 19 and 24, without university degrees.

The programme, which has backing from the Government, is being run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

Press Gazette first revealed the group, owned by Evgeny Lebedev, was planning to take on apprentices under the NCTJ scheme last November.

The scheme will run over a two-year period in which apprentices will recieve NCTJ training at Lambeth College.

The three apprentices will work across the London Evening Standard, Independent, Independent on Sunday and i newspapers.

Group managing editor Doug Wills said: “We are proud to be the first newspaper group to support this NCTJ scheme which will give a unique opportunity for young people of all backgrounds to enter journalism.

“The Evening Standard Ladder for London campaign to create apprenticeships for youngsters who are finding it increasingly difficult to get jobs has received widespread support. We are delighted that we are now able to create our own apprenticeships with this venture.

“The NCTJ are to be applauded for creating this scheme which will allow those with a flair for journalism who have chosen or are not able to attend university a chance to fulfil their dreams for a career in the media.”

Last month, BBC Radio has also announced plans to take on apprentices under the NCTJ scheme.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “The apprenticeship scheme provides an alternative route into journalism for those who want to benefit from learning while they work.

“The Evening Standard and Independent have been at the forefront of the scheme’s development and the three talented apprentices will have a fantastic opportunity to develop their core journalistic skills needed to succeed in the newsroom backed up by professional training at Lambeth College.”