PA Media has launched two apprenticeship schemes which will see four new roles initially created for journalists to receive on-the-job training and a permanent role at the end of each programme.

Announcing two junior and two senior apprenticeships, the national news agency for the UK says it aims to encourage greater social and ethnic diversity in its newsrooms.

PA will seek partnerships with other news organisations to fund more places and offer jobs to the apprentices following the completion of training.

The Junior Journalist Apprenticeship will offer full journalism training in the form of a 17-week NCTJ Diploma with PA Training followed by newsroom placements to new entrants to the profession such as school leavers or people looking for a career change.

The Senior Journalist Apprenticeship is open to young journalists who have a recognised journalism qualification or some work experience, and will offer extensive national experience to help develop their careers.

Apprentices on both schemes will learn core skills including news reporting, interview techniques, developing stories, video, use of social media, and media law – working in rotations alongside journalists in PA’s newsrooms including with reporters and on the news, video and social desks.

The initiative builds on a similar scheme launched with ESI Media in 2018 which led to two apprentices Ted Hennessey and Abbianca Makoni passing their NCTJ exams, and this year secured staff positions at PA and the Evening Standard respectively.

Pete Clifton, Editor-in-Chief at PA, said: “Our previous apprentices have not only excelled in their careers but brought unique perspectives to our coverage which we look forward to continuing with new talent.

“I am delighted that we have been able to build on our previous scheme and hope that we can grow it even further with a range of partners.”

Shortlisting is underway for the two-year programmes which begin in January 2021.