Breaking news: would you like to become a journalist?

Johnston Press – the publisher of The News – is launching a new apprentice scheme to give young people an opportunity to join us and learn how to be a journalist.

We are looking for people aged 18+ who are committed and enthusiastic and have a genuine interest in people and their stories, a passion to report their celebrations and their achievements and have a real pride in their community.

The apprentice scheme runs for 18 months leading to the NCTJ pre-entry qualification, the Diploma in Journalism.

You will spend four days in the Chichester newsroom of our sister titles in Sussex, learning ‘on the job’ core skills and mentored by our senior journalists. A fifth day will be spent at Highbury College, Portsmouth, where you will combine your newsroom experience with classroom-based learning.

You will be taught to write articles for websites and for our print titles, use social media to promote our content, and learn about journalism law, court reporting, and public affairs, as well as shorthand. Learning to shoot good video will also become one of your core skills.

We are looking for candidates who have:

•A passion for news, entertainment or sport

•A genuine interest in people and their positive stories

•Knowledge of new media – including social media

•Five A*-C GCSEs, (or equivalent) including English and Maths. Ideally you will also have two A-levels or a Btec equivalent

•A good command of the English language

•Confidence in their writing

•A willingness to listen and learn

•A great work ethic and are self-motivated

•A willingness to study and work simultaneously

•Excellent communication skills – verbal and written

•Are presentable

•A full driving licence is desirable but not essential

•All apprentices will be chosen from their performance at an assessment and selection interviews at our Chichester office.

As well as receiving the fully-funded training through Johnston Press, successful applicants will be offered an 18-month fixed term contract earning £10,900 per annum with five weeks’ holiday.

Please submit a 400-word summary of why you should be considered for the Johnston Press Apprentice Scheme.

Separately, list your achievements to date, including exam grades, work experience and any paid employment.

Please email your submissions to [email protected] by the closing date of noon on Monday, November 27, 2017.

Selection interviews will be held in Chichester in early December.