Have you considered pursuing a career in journalism? Have you ever wondered what the career path might be?

As National Apprenticeship Week continues, a video promoting journalism apprenticeships in the UK has been launched to raise awareness about an alternative route into the industry.

Archant – publisher of the Ham&High series, the Brent & Kilburn Times and 12 other local newspapers in London – has championed the apprenticeship scheme, which was launched by a collective of employers and training organisation the NCTJ (National Council of Training for Journalists) in 2013.

In Archant London, there are currently two apprentice journalists who were selected from local communities to pursue their career ambitions.

The video, commissioned by the NCTJ, features contributions from apprentices, training providers and employers from the newspaper, magazine, broadcast and online sectors.

Laura Adams, editorial director for Archant London newspapers, said: “The apprenticeship scheme is already proving a success for us and is another route to a journalism career which is traditionally competitive.

“Our two apprentices in London were selected from two of the local communities in which we operate – and have been able to use their local knowledge to their advantage. Ultimately, they were recognised for their raw talent and skill and for having bags of enthusiasm and passion for journalism.”

A group of employers representing regional and national newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and online media, together with the NCTJ, were chosen by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in 2013 to develop an apprenticeship standard for junior journalists (level 3). This was published in August 2014 and the group are now leading the development of a higher-level apprenticeship, the first of its kind for journalists, which will offer a progression route for those who complete the level 3 apprenticeship.

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “The journalism apprenticeships are proving to be a very popular route into the industry with both new recruits and employers.

“All of the apprentices I have met have shown great enthusiasm, which I think is demonstrated in this video, and we are fortunate to be working with a dedicated team of employers from across the industry in the development of our apprenticeship programme.”

For more information about the apprenticeship scheme, visit the NCTJ’s website.