A new chapter for journalism apprenticeships as senior journalist standard moves to level 6
The senior journalist apprenticeship has undergone a major overhaul and is now recognised as a level 6 standard by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
The senior journalist apprenticeship has undergone a major overhaul and is now recognised as a level 6 standard by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
Previously set at level 7, the updated apprenticeship now focuses more clearly on the responsibilities of working journalists, with an emphasis on journalistic skills rather than leadership and management.
The change brings the apprenticeship in line with the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ), which remains the qualification within the standard.
Leadership and management elements have been removed, with employers agreeing these did not reflect the day-to-day role of journalists at this stage of their careers. Level 6 was recognised as the right fit for those developing their journalistic skills and experience, but not yet in formal leadership roles.
The NCTJ will continue to offer its level 7 Leadership and Management for Journalists qualification, designed for those taking on senior responsibilities. It can be studied independently or alongside a level 7 leadership and management apprenticeship.
The revisions were developed by the journalism ‘trailblazer’ group, chaired by Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest. The group is made up of senior editors and executives from some of the UK’s biggest news organisations, including Sky, the BBC, The Telegraph, Reach Plc, News UK and Bauer Media.
Toby Granville said: “This update ensures the apprenticeship is focused on the core skills senior journalists need in the newsroom today. The new structure, with the NQJ at its heart, reflects the way our industry works and provides a clear, rigorous pathway for progression.”
Lyn Jones
A key part of the new standard is the integration of the NQJ e-logbook into the end-point assessment (EPA). Apprentices will gain the NQJ after passing their EPA.
Lyn Jones, head of qualifications at the NCTJ, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with the trailblazer group to update the apprenticeship in line with newsroom needs.
“Embedding the NQJ into the EPA demonstrates the value of the qualification to journalism employers across the industry.”
The revised standard was submitted to IfATE in March and will be published on their website soon. It will be available for delivery once the funding band has been approved.
