Wanting to pursue a career in journalism and media but don't know where to start? Below you will find links to several organisations that offer work experience, training schemes, grants, courses and general advice for starting a media career.
Applications normally open once a year. To apply you must be over 18 and have had experience of writing and having work published. Get involved with a student newspaper or get work experience with your local paper – it’s also a good idea to have your own website or blog. Applications for this programme are currently closed. Please check back for updates.
The Guardian runs two work-experience schemes both offering two week placements each summer: one for people from BAME backgrounds; and one for people with disabilities. Successful applicants will learn about the profession and will be assigned a Guardian journalist as a mentor. Applications for this programme are currently closed. Please check back for updates.
The Guardian Foundation funds three bursaries to help aspiring journalists break into the media through studying for a postgraduate qualification in web, newspaper or broadcast journalism. The bursary pays for tuition fees and provides a subsistence allowance. Training will include several weeks’ work experience within Guardian Media Group.
The Guardian runs a 12 month training scheme for aspiring developers to join the product and engineering departments. To apply, you will need experience of programming, but do not need any specific qualifications. Trainees will develop, manage and maintain live applications along with the rest of the development team.
If you have a great idea for a piece of opinion writing, you can pitch to Comment is free. They are especially interested if you have particular expertise or experience in the relevant areas.
All opportunities to work for the Guardian and The Guardian Foundation in any department, including the above schemes, are advertised on the Work for us page.
The Media Makers programme offers 6-month placements with Cafeyn, a digital subscription app providing access to more than 2,500 newspaper and magazine titles.
Channel 4’s 4Skills programme offers a variety of opportunities for young people interested in media careers including work experience placements and paid apprenticeships in various departments. They also have a Production Training Scheme with applications open to people with little to no experience in the media industry.
An independent UK news network, focusing especially on political news and debate. They offer the opportunity for contributors to have their work published online, and Shout Out also runs courses on political literacy.
Creative Access is dedicated to widening access to the creative industries. They work with industry partners to support diversifying recruitment and also provide on-the-job support to successful candidates.
Provides journalism advice on both writing and more practical aspects of careers in journalism. Also hosts a frequently updated list of funding opportunities including grants.
The Journalism Diversity Fund (JDF) awards bursaries to people from diverse backgrounds who need help funding their NCTJ journalism training.
This is a 6-9 month Fellowship with Durham University which will include undertaking an investigative project from inside the Reuters newsroom in London. This Fellowship is designed to give the applicant the chance to develop rigorous, fact-based research and reporting skills.
Whether you are a graduate, school leaver or looking for the opportunity to change your career, the BBC's talent schemes could kick start your passion into a job that you love. Schemes cover multiple professions including journalism, production, business and tech.
This freelance writing jobs newsletter lists the UK’s best opportunities. It is the most popular freelance writing jobs platform in the UK and helps freelancers earn over £1 million in commissions, writing prizes and jobs every year.
Various opportunities at News UK for aspiring journalists, both school leavers and graduates, including work experience, graduate schemes and school leaver programmes.
Insight events, internships, summer programmes, placements and apprenticeships for school aged pupils, school leavers and graduates.
Free educational opportunities for young people in any country who are interested in journalism, current events and getting to know peers across the globe.
A paid 20-week news internship for U.S. and international students as well as recent graduates aspiring to be journalists across formats.
A mentoring scheme for those in the first five year of their career in journalism.
Opportunities for careers inspiration, skills development, CV and interview tips and training for young people with all levels of education and experience.
Programmes and activities to engage people with writing and reading for pleasure and wellbeing, as well as developing skills and professional ambitions.