Plans for a new apprenticeship which it is hoped will offer more school leavers a route into journalism have been approved.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has given the green light to the apprenticeship standard and assessment plan for senior journalists, which has been drawn up by a group of media employers with the assistance of the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

The apprenticeship, which takes at least 18 months to complete, provides a structure for progression from the established junior journalist apprenticeship and the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism to senior journalist status.

All journalists registered for the new apprenticeship must achieve the National Qualification in Journalism.

Newsquest editorial development director and project chair Toby Granville, pictured, said: “I am delighted we have finally got this over the line.

“It’s taken a while to get there but it means that we will now have a full three-year gold standard apprenticeship programme managed by the NCTJ.

“As well as supporting graduate entry, this new programme will also take school leavers – with no formal journalism training or needing any kind of degree – on a journey from trainee to NQJ-qualified senior.

“I hope this will succeed in removing some of the barriers in bringing more diversity into the industry.”

The standard and plan will be ready to use by employers and training providers once the Secretary of State for Education has approved the funding band, which is expected to be set at a limit of £14,000 per apprentice.