Media
Journalist Apprenticeship - Level 6
BBC
Location
Dunstable
Postcode
LU5 4GP
Salary
£26,000 per year
Duration
24 months
Hours per week
35h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
Level 6
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
24 November 2026
Vacancy reference
55559
Minimum grades
English GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or National 5 Scotland at C or Functional Skills Level 2). Candidates under 19 must also have Maths GCSE Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
Disability Confident
✓ Yes
About the role
Join BBC Three Counties Radio as a Journalist Apprentice to kick-start your career in journalism. You'll 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.
Requirements
Be 18 years old or over by the time the apprenticeship begins. 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. Not currently be enrolled in another apprenticeship programme. Not already hold a qualification in journalism at the same or higher level. Not have previously completed any elements of the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). Have achieved English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). Candidates under 19 must have achieved Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent). Must live within commutable distance of Dunstable.
Working week
35-hour working week
Skills
Journalistic skillsStorytellingNews research and writingNews productionAdaptabilityResilienceCreativityAudience engagement
Required qualifications
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4
Training & development
You'll 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. You'll cover modules such as: Media Law, Advanced Newsgathering, Advanced Storytelling and Advanced Audience, and work towards the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). The NQJ is assessed through two exams and a logbook of work.
Additional training
Industry-leading training through the BBC Academy and learning providers. Training and mentoring by industry professionals. A bespoke BBC apprenticeship experience including apprenticeship development days and membership of the BBC Apprenticeship community. Employability and networking training and support to help secure your next role.
Future prospects
Upon completion, you'll achieve a Level 6 apprenticeship qualification and the industry-recognised NCTJ National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ). You'll be able to apply for any suitable open vacancies at the BBC or outside in the wider creative industry.
Company benefits
Excellent career and professional development. Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a 35-hour working week, 25 days annual leave, a range of policies to support work/life balance, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, healthcare and gym. An industry recognised qualification. Industry-leading training through the BBC Academy and learning providers. A dedicated Team Manager and Scheme Specialist to help with development. Training and mentoring by industry professionals. A bespoke BBC apprenticeship experience including apprenticeship development days and membership of the BBC Apprenticeship community. Employability and networking training and support. The opportunity to apply for financial support for relocation subject to eligibility.
About BBC
The BBC is the world's leading public service media organisation. At the BBC you can create and innovate in an inclusive environment while contributing to some of the world's best loved content, and the BBC's mission to inform, educate and entertain.
Website
www.bbc.com