Apprentice Multi-format Sports Reporter, The Sun

The Sun is the most popular newsbrand in the UK, reaching 38.2 million people a month across digital and print. The Sun is at the heart of the nation’s conversation, blending serious investigations, agenda-setting campaigns, political scoops and celebrity gossip. More than a newspaper. The Sun is an instigator, an entertainer, a cultural reference point, a finger on the pulse, a daily relationship. We have a talented, diverse team who publish the best coverage of news, sport, lifestyle and showbiz in print and digital.

The Sun is the biggest news brand in the UK – and still growing – with a talented, diverse team who publish the best coverage of news, sport, lifestyle and showbiz in print and digital. The Sun is looking to offer an apprenticeship as a Multi-format Sports Reporter. This is an amazing opportunity for you to break into the journalism industry with one of the most-read newspapers in the country.

During your time with us you will earn above living wage, get full training, 4 days a week with Times Radio and 1 day a week studying – including an NCTJ Diploma in journalism – with all your course fees paid. You will also receive mentoring from the industry’s best, as well as any other equity you might need to fulfil your full potential.

Day To Day, You Will…

• Cover breaking sports news stories and generate agenda-leading exclusives
• Turn around copy and content quickly and accurately; mindful of IPSO and legal issues
• Identify stories which will work online, in print and on video and develop them
• Work as part of a team and be able to contribute across a range of subjects
• Pitch and produce exclusive stories and work up original ideas and features
• Have an instinct for how to sell a digital story to get maximum impact on The Sun’s platforms and also on social media
• Be able to write in a concise and entertaining way in keeping with Sun style but free from cliche
• Understand how to recirculate readers within The Sun and keep them engaged with our content
• Work with video desk and picture desk to maximum effect
• Interview people in a range of different circumstances
• Live reporting and ability to work under pressure covering breaking news
• Live blog the biggest games and sporting events
• Keep newsdesk informed on changes that arise as stories develop

What Are We Looking For From You?

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to deliver vibrant, clean copy to very tight deadlines
• Reporting experience in a newsroom and ability to keep calm under pressure
• Excellent, fast writing and basic subbing skills
• Passion for all things sport
• Flexible attitude to working hours across seven days
• An understanding of The Sun brand, both print and digital
• Positive can-do attitude and good team player

Application Process

Online Application > Google Meet Interview > Assessment Centre

As part of the Online Application process, we would like you to provide answers to the following 3 questions:

• Briefly introduce yourself and tell us why you’re interested in pursuing a career in the apprenticeship you’ve applied to?
• What interests you about the company you are applying to and suggest one improvement you would make to the content?
• Describe a learning curve you recently navigated. Outline the steps you took, the challenges you faced and what the outcome was.

Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.

Life at News

We are News UK: One of the leading media businesses in the UK and Ireland. Our newsbrands include The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun, The Sun on Sunday and The TLS. Our national broadcast brands include talkSPORT, Times Radio, Talk and Virgin Radio UK, and we have market-leading local radio stations across Ireland. Our world-famous brands provide news, analysis, opinion and entertainment to almost 40 million people each month. Spanning print and pixel, audio and video, events and experiences, our multiplatform brands are home to a plurality of opinion, representing the diverse communities we serve. News UK is wholly owned by News Corp.

Driven by passion, guided by principles and acting with purpose. We represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter. We inform our audiences so that they can make decisions based on trusted information.

We represent, reflect and reach the nation, telling the stories that matter most. To ensure these stories resonate with as broad an audience as possible, it is essential that our organisation reflects the diversity of the people we reach. Whether through age, gender, ethnicity, disability, social class or sexuality, we are committed to representing the rich variety of voices that make up our society. And we champion a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive as we continue to innovate and drive long term sustainable growth. This is done through our Diversity Strategy.

At News UK, we take pride in our exceptional employee-led networks that bring together individuals with shared interests and create a vibrant sense of community. We believe our networks play a vital role in fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture at News UK. Groups that we support include the African & Caribbean Network, Parents and Carers, and LGBTQ+ group News Is Out, and the Apprentice Society.

Benefits

Some of our benefits include:

• Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
• Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access
• Private medical insurance including coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
• ‘Bikes for Work’ and ‘Electric Car’ scheme
• Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
• Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times. Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
• Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
• A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year

We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to perform to their best when applying for a role. If you would like to receive any information in a different way or for us to do anything differently to support you apply for any of our roles please contact us on [email protected] .