Reach the top with media apprenticeships on offer at News UK

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MEDIA is tough for new starters to break into. So News UK is playing its part with a raft of exciting new apprenticeships.

Home to The Sun, The Times, The Sunday Times and Wireless, News UK is offering 45 placements in a bid to diversify media.

The media is tough to break into, so News UK is playing its part with a raft of exciting new apprenticeshipsCredit: The Sun

They all offer competitive salaries and two years of top-class training, with roles across our newspapers, websites, commercial team, influencer business and radio stations.

Editorial and broadcast apprentices will gain a fully funded NCTJ diploma in journalism and receive mentoring and coaching from our experienced, talented staff.

Sara Hussain, a trainee Sun reporter, says 'I’m around some of the most experienced people in British media' — Sara Hussain, a trainee Sun reporter, says ‘I’m around some of the most experienced people in British media’

Sara Hussain is a trainee Sun reporter who joined us from the online magazine Tempest.

The Londoner, 24, says: “As a woman of colour and a Muslim, this scheme gave me opportunities I would have been overlooked for.

“I’m around some of the most experienced people in British media and have learnt an abundance of information I’ll be able to use to my advantage professionally.

“No matter your background, there will always be someone who wants you to succeed.”

Dorothy Howbrook is an apprenticeship showbiz reporter on The Sun.

The 23-year-old is from Stockport but now lives in London.

She says: “Before applying for the scheme, I was a barmaid while studying French at uni.

“I gained better skills for showbiz journalism chatting to punters in the pub than I did discovering the intricacies of French grammar.

“Working at The Sun is about being interested in people, being outgoing, resilient and hardworking.

“It is about having ideas, adding something to the team and understanding Sun readers.”

To ensure apprenticeships are open to all, hiring will focus on assessments rather than CVs.

It follows the launch of News UK’s Kickstart programme offering up to 100 six-month editorial traineeships this year.

Mark Hudson, Head of Early Talent at News UK, said: “We want to create opportunities for people from every part of society.”

Jobspot

ONLINE fashion store BOOHOO has 50 openings in a range of roles.

Apply at careers.boohoo.com.

FIND THE INVISIBLE VACANCY

WITH 60 per cent of vacancies not formally advertised, how do you go about finding them?

Lynne Hardman of flourishmy career.co.uk shares her tips.

Many organisations create roles for the right people, so a speculative but targeted approach can work. Research industry trends and find firms you are interested in joining. Follow them on LinkedIn and social media.
Look at your network. Do you have a connection to anyone who works there, or who has a connection there? Use personal contacts to get introductions.
Tailor your CV to the organisation. Show the connection between your skills and what they want.
Send your application to the line manager you are most likely to report to, not to HR. This person is usually more open to receiving speculative applications.
State in your cover letter that you will follow up with a call to check they received your CV. If there is no immediate interest, ask when you can call again to see if the situation has changed. Check if there is anyone else in the organisation you should be contacting.
Focus on quality not quantity with your approaches. Focus only on those organisations that match your skillset.

MAKE YOUR OWN MUSIC

WANT to break into the music industry? Then this might sound sweet.

The Richard Antwi Scholarship offers black, Asian and minority ethnic students a fully funded place on the University of Westminster’s music business management MA course.

If you want to break into the music industry, why not apply to The Richard Antwi Scholarship backed by British rapper Wretch 32

The scholarship was founded following the sudden death in 2016 of the respected music industry lawyer, manager and entrepreneur. It is funded in part by a number of leading record labels.

Stars backing the scheme include Wretch 32 and Taponeswa Mavunga, who said: “This scholarship has been a fitting tribute to a man who strived for excellence. I know Richard would be at the forefront championing the next generation of cultural leaders.”

Applications close on June 30.

‘Life-changing support’

TODAY is Employability Day, when the country’s employment support services come together to shine a light on the best back-to-work schemes.

This year the theme is #AskSeth.

That refers to the Skills, Employment, Training and Help Directory, a national resource developed by the Employment Related Services Association to support jobseekers as well as learners.

A spokesperson said: “The main focus will be promoting the diverse services, solutions and often life-changing support our members offer to individuals, employers, commissioners and communities.”