A regional daily is offering a second 18-month apprenticeship for an aspiring journalist without a university degree in partnership with a national title.

The Financial Times Newsroom Apprentice programme, launched last year in partnership with the Manchester Evening News, is now inviting candidates for this year’s programme.

The apprenticeship is aimed at giving those from minority ethnic backgrounds and disadvantaged socio-economic groups a head start in their journalism career, with applications from candidates living in the Greater Manchester area particularly welcome.

The successful candidate will receive funding to study for an NCTJ journalism qualification while working at the MEN and FT along with a £23,933 pro rata salary and a dedicated FT mentor throughout the programme.

FT assistant editor and head of newsroom diversity Veronica Kan-Dapaah said: “We’re thrilled to open applications for this year’s Newsroom Apprentice programme and continue championing diversity and inclusion at the FT.

“Our ongoing partnership with the MEN has enabled the successful delivery of the programme in its first year and we look forward to helping the next successful candidate thrive in their journalism career.”

Manchester Evening News editor Sarah Lester, pictured, said: “We have brought trusted news to Manchester for more than 150 years through our print and now our digital-first operation. We have a hugely experienced content desk with a track record of developing trainees and supporting them to become highly-skilled journalists.

“We are delighted with the progress of our first trainee and looking forward to working with the FT to find and develop our next candidate.”

Full details about the scheme and how to apply are available here. The closing date is 9 May.