Sky News Journalism Apprenticeship

Application deadline: Monday 8th December 2025 at 12pm, however applications may close earlier but no earlier than Monday 24th November 2025 at 12pm. 

About this programme

Sky News is bold, fast, and trusted by millions. We’re live 24/7, reporting from the heart of breaking stories across the UK and around the world. From big world events to tech, crime and culture — we cover it all, and we do it across digital, podcasts, and TV platforms.

As a Sky News Apprentice, you’ll be right at the centre of it. You’ll learn how to spot a story, how to tell it, and how to get it out to the world — fast. You’ll work with award-winning journalists, producers, and camera crews, and you’ll get hands-on experience in one of the most advanced newsrooms in Europe.

This is your chance to start a career in journalism with a team that’s bold, independent, and always pushing boundaries.

What you’ll be doing 

• Spend your first five months at college working towards your Level 5 Journalist Apprenticeship, learning the essentials: writing, media law, ethics, and how to structure a great story.

• Join the Sky News team, based in our newsroom in Osterley, West London.

• Learn how news is planned, gathered, produced and published across all platforms — from our Sky News app to TikTok, Instagram, our podcasts and TV.

• Get involved in everything from researching breaking news and pitching ideas, to helping with live broadcasts and editing video for digital.

• As you grow in confidence, you’ll start to pitch, research and produce your own stories for Sky News platforms.

Office days: This role will be shift based at times and include some weekends.

Apprentice Qualification 

Level 5 Journalism Apprenticeship and as part of the programme you’ll also achieve the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism

Training Provider: PA Media Academy (sister company to PA Media – formerly Press Association) – a leading centre for journalism, communications, media and content training. They teach news and news-based communications, writing and editing, and digital storytelling across multiple platforms. In an age of AI, these skills have never mattered more.

Course modules: Essential Journalism, E-portfolio, Essential Media Law, Broadcast Regulation, Shorthand, Court Reporting, Public Affairs, Journalism for a Digital Audience.

Note: The first five months are spent in college based in Queen St in the City of London.

What we’re looking for  

Education: You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs A* – C (or equivalent grades 9-4), including English and Maths. No previous journalism experience needed — just enthusiasm, commitment and a willingness to get stuck in. Other skills we’re looking for include:

• A passion for current affairs and a curiosity about the world

• Someone who’s confident sharing ideas and opinions

• Great at spotting trends and stories on social media

• A strong communicator who’s friendly, open and ready to learn

• Someone who’s up for travelling and working in a fast-paced environment.

Apprenticeship eligibility criteria: To apply, you must:

• Meet the apprenticeship funding rules (Apprenticeship Funding Rules)

• Have the right to work in the UK (Sky doesn’t offer sponsorship)

• You’ll be 18 or above by September 2026.

• Not be in education during the apprenticeship.

Right to Work: You will have valid right to work in the UK by the programme start date (7th September 2026) and will remain valid for the full duration of the apprenticeship (2 years) without requiring renewal or expiring during this time. Please note that Sky does not offer sponsorship for this programme.

Note: Sky does not provide relocation expenses for this role.

Please read the above carefully before continuing with your application. If you have any questions about the requirements, please contact us at [email protected]

Your Application Journey 

Here’s what to expect, step by step:

Step 1 – Apply Online

Tell us a bit about yourself — your details, and anything else you think we should know (like part-time jobs, volunteering, or cool projects you’ve worked on). Once you hit submit, keep an eye on your inbox (and your junk folder!) — we’ll send you a link to start your digital assessments.

Step 2 – Show Us Your Skills

You’ll complete two online assessments that help us get to know you better — how you think, what motivates you, and how you might fit into the programme. Don’t worry — you’ll get a chance to practice first, and we’ll send you tips to help you feel confident.

We understand that you might want to utilise AI to support your preparation for taking the assessments – understanding Sky etc. But we ask that you complete the assessments themselves without the assistance of AI.

Want to go a step further? Check out our Preparation Hub — it’s packed with practice exercises, insights into the assessment process, and stories from current grads and apprentices. You’ll even learn more about your values, learning style, and the kind of work that suits you.

Step 3 – Attend our assessment centre

For the final stage of your application, we’ll invite you to our assessment centre and give you some tasks to get to know you better. You’ll take part in tasks designed to show us how you think, solve problems, and work with others — all while getting a real feel for what it’s like to work at Sky News.

We’ll let you know when to expect a decision after the day’s done.

Need Support? If you need any adjustments to help you through the process — whether that’s extra time, tech support, or anything else — just let us know when you apply. Our Early Careers team is here to help. 

Where developing you begins  

At Sky, we don’t just give you a job—we help you grow. Alongside your Apprenticeship, you’ll experience a development journey packed with support: a buddy to show you the ropes, a mentor to guide you, regular development conversations, and opportunities to learn from experienced pros. You’ll learn through workshops, digital tools like Sky Learn, and real projects. Plus, you’ll be part of an Emerging Talent community, with career events and talks to help you thrive.

So why wait?   

Our apprenticeship is designed to put you at the centre of the action. You’ll learn, grow and help make the magic of Sky happen. Whatever your background, skills or passions, there’s an opportunity for you to explore. A career at Sky is where better begins.

Got questions? We’re here to help. Drop us a line at [email protected]

If your application is successful, your offer will be subject to receiving a positive outcome from your Criminal Record Check, in addition to passing all apprenticeship eligibility checks as per government apprenticeship guidelines.

Professional qualifications achieved

Level 5 Journalism Apprenticeship and as part of the programme you’ll also achieve the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism

Perks

Let’s not forget about the great perks. There’s a reason people can’t stop talking about #LifeAtSky. Our fantastic range of benefits really are something special, here are our highlights: free Sky Q (for the TV you love all in one place), a generous pension, 25 days paid annual leave, discounted Mobile and broadband and private health care.

You’ll also get access to Sky Learn.  Our new, group-wide learning platform, bringing all content under one roof, so developing new skills is simpler for everyone. You can search by skill and find courses, videos, podcasts and more, giving you greater control over your own development and future career.

And if that’s not enough, each campus has its own perks such as subsidised restaurants/ cafes and games rooms. Your campus may include a cinema, chill out sections, faith rooms, a gym, and more.

Start date(s): 7th September 2026

Duration: 2 years