Employers can now recruit for Level 6 Journalist apprentices

Employers can now recruit apprentices on the new Level 6 Journalist apprenticeship, following the publication of the updated standard by Skills England.

The apprenticeship has been moved from Level 7 to better reflect the skills and responsibilities of journalists at this stage of their careers. The revised standard focuses on advanced journalistic skills developed through the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) qualification.

Following government reforms to apprenticeship standards, the end-point assessment has been removed. Apprentices’ knowledge and skills will now be assessed through the NQJ during their training, with employers responsible for assessing their behaviours.

The NCTJ worked with the journalism trailblazer group of employers, Skills England and the Department for Education to help secure progress on the revised standard and funding, following delays caused by wider government changes. With the standard now published, employers can begin recruiting again and aspiring journalists can progress through a higher-level qualification designed to reflect industry needs.

Lyn Jones, head of qualifications at the NCTJ, said: “We’re proud to have worked with employers to bring the standard to this point and are delighted they can now continue to recruit and train journalists on the revised level 6 apprenticeship standard. This is an important step forward for journalism training and for aspiring journalists looking to develop their careers through a rigorous, industry-recognised qualification.”

The funding band for the level 6 standard was confirmed at £14,000 earlier this year, following NCTJ escalation and lobbying by the journalism trailblazer group chaired by Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest. The employer group includes senior editors and executives from Sky, the BBC, The Telegraph, Reach plc, News UK and Bauer Media.

The NCTJ will continue to offer its Level 7 Leadership and Management for Journalists qualification as progression for those looking to take on senior responsibilities.

Find out more about the news Level 6 standard here: https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st1490-v2-0