A regional publisher is set to take on journalism apprentices from the age of 16 in a new scheme.

Newsquest has announced plans which could see it take on reporters straight from school to undertake apprenticeship programmes lasting between 18 months and four years.

The scheme is an expansion of the publisher’s Young Reporter Scheme, which has operated in schools across London and the South-East of England since 2008 and offers pupils the chance to get their work published in its regional titles.

It will be open to all students in England aged 16 and over who are no longer in full-time education, while pupils currently undertaking the YRS in school years 10 and 11 can be fast-tracked onto the programme.

Successful applicants, who will work towards National Council for the Training of Journalists qualifications, will not have to pay for their tuition during their courses.

Instead, they will be funded by Newsquest and the UK Government’s apprenticeship levy.

Pupils in Scotland and Wales are not permitted due to the current requirements of the apprenticeship levy.

Diana Jarvis, who runs the scheme, said: “We are excited to be launching this apprenticeship programme through the Young Reporter Scheme.

“The scheme has evolved exponentially over the 14 years it has been operating and this gives a completely new dimension to the running of it.

“This year between seven and eight hundred young people took part across Greater London, Essex and Sussex and we look forward to welcoming the next cohort of Year 10 to 13 students in September 2022.”

Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest, added: “I’m thrilled that we are launching this initiative with the Young Reporter scheme across our news brands in England.

“As part of our commitment to newsroom diversity we are particularly keen to welcome youngsters from diverse backgrounds to come and work for us and represent the communities we write for.

“This is a great opportunity to give a helping hand to those who previously might not have considered a career in journalism – so please get in touch and in the meantime I look forward to meeting the stars of the future.”

The apprenticeship scheme was announced in a statement on the YRS website.

In the announcement, the YRS said: “It is a pathway for young people interested in the media, who want to kick start their career and warn a recognised qualification, whilst being employed and having the support of a recognised industry leader.

“Students keen to pursue this avenue can complete an 18 to 24-month diploma course or a four-year degree course, which results in the equivalent of masters degree.”

HTFP has approached Newsquest for further information on how many apprentices it intends to take on and which titles they will work for during the scheme.