Journalist Apprenticeship Level 5

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Study Mode: Course Level: 5

Journalists bring people the news and information from their street, community, town, city or around the world using a combination of words, pictures and moving images.

They are able to work on their own competently and without immediate supervision in generating and producing stories for publication and/or broadcast.

The apprenticeship programme covers three specialisms:

Print and associated digital platforms
TV/radio and associated digital platforms
Public relations (PR), corporate communications and associated digital platforms

Apprentices will develop the core knowledge and skills required of a journalist, and will also gain additional specialist knowledge and skills for their chosen pathway

Individual employers will identify any relevant entry requirements in terms of previous qualifications, training or work experience

CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND BEHAVIOUR REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Apprentices will the develop knowledge and skills required of a journlist, enabling them to produce news and information for TV, radio, print and digital publications:

Know what a story is and how to carry out the necessary research and interviews
Build and maintain a range of reliable contacts
Create quality stories that are accurate, clear, vigorous, fair and balanced, in a form that will engage an audience
Work in an ethical manner and in accordance with relevant codes of conduct and demonstrate integrity
Work on getting stories 'right the first time'
Demonstrate an ability to write and use good English to industry standard for all platforms
Produce content for digital platforms, including video and photographic material
Adept at using social media and digital platforms and techniques to source content, contacts and build an audience
Good communicator
Understand the importance and value of brands
Connect with the audience they serve
Work to tight deadlines
Technically proficient and able to understand/use web analytics
Understand how society works
Take and keep accurate notes and records
Gather, verify and make proper use of user generated content (UGC)
Gather, use and present data
Understand how the law affects the work of a journalist
Adhere to relevant health and safety legislation in the workplace
Understand the 'news business' with a knowledge of emerging trends in the media industry

In addition, apprentices will gain additional specialist knowledge and skills for their chosen area:

Print and associated digital platforms:

For most employers, write and accurately transcribe shorthand at 100 words per minute
Edit copy and write headlines for publication on different platforms
Take photographs suitable for publication
Report from a wide range of settings
Research and write clear, accurate, compliant and engaging stories and features for newspapers, magazines and websites
For some employers, be able to use data to contribute towards potential editorial content and strategies; and
Have a good working knowledge of regulation as laid out in the editors' code

TV/radio and associated digital platforms:

Research and write clear, accurate, balanced, compliant and engaging stories for TV and radio
For some employers, be able to write and accurately transcribe shorthand at 100 words per minute
Understand the techniques of interviewing for broadcast and can conduct a simple broadcast interview themselves
Demonstrate familiarity with the basic techniques and technology of broadcast news gathering, including the sourcing of material
Have an awareness of the basic set-up of radio and television news studios, operate simple radio and television equipment, and be familiar with the language and terminology of a broadcast newsroom
Show a good working knowledge of the key principles of broadcast regulation as laid out in the Ofcom Broadcasting Code and BBC editorial guidelines

Public relations (PR), corporate communications and associated digital platforms:

Understand how journalism in PR and corporate communications differs from journalism in other sectors
For some employers, be able to write and accurately transcribe shorthand at 100 words per minute
Prepare content for specific purposes (e.g. press releases, social media, brochures, exhibition boards)
Have a good understanding of the business (businesses) they work for
Know the difference between outputs (e.g. press releases, social media etc.)
Act as a mediator and facilitator between the media and employer.

BEHAVIOURS

Apprentices must be able to show commitment and desire to be a journalist, as well as demonstrate the following behaviours:

Hard-working attitude
Inquiring mind
Lively interest in current affairs
Ability to write and use words accurately and with effect
Persistence and determination
Willingness to embrace change and accept unsocial working hours. They must be able to demonstrate commitment and desire to be a journalist. They must
Professional attitudes to their job and how they present themselves for work
Understanding of the diversity of their audience.
Be prepared to work shifts
Be conscientious; enthusiastic and resilient
Be a team player
Have an ability and desire to carry out duties in accordance with the law, regulations and any appropriate codes of conduct
Have high personal standards in terms of discretion/confidentiality

Throughout the programme the apprentice will receive expert training from highly qualified staff A qualified assessor will provide an induction and regular workplace assessments

Completion of the programme will enable apprentices to gain employment in the industry