talkSPORT, the world’s biggest sports radio station, is launching a brand new apprenticeship scheme to find three young people to become valued members of the production team.

Applications open on September 28, with the successful applicants starting in December 2020. The apprentices will undergo training in multiple journalism and radio skills at PA Training and complete a rotation in three different departments across the talkSPORT network. At the end of the eighteen month apprenticeship they will have a NCTJ qualification and the right skills for a career in sports broadcasting. 

Head of talkSPORT Lee Clayton said: “These apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for anyone who loves sport and wants to consider a career in sports media. We want to find and develop young talent to better inform talkSPORT's editorial decisions, increase diversity of opinion in talkSPORT’s production teams and develop a pathway which will hopefully see the candidates stay to develop a career at the network. By specifically focussing on social mobility, we are looking for talent rather than experience.

“I joined News UK at the age of 17. I was raw and without any formal training, but I had a hunger and passion to succeed. I was lucky to meet some amazing people who encouraged and nurtured my desire and helped me on my journey. I will never forget that. This is a company that encourages young talent from different backgrounds. Come and join the fun at talkSPORT.”

The key skills talkSPORT is looking for in the potential apprentices are creativity, storytelling, conscientiousness and drive. talkSPORT aims to offer full employment to the three apprentices at the end of the programme. 

talkSPORT presenter and scheme champion Jordan Jarrett-Bryan explained: “After an initial couple of weeks at talkSPORT getting to know the place, the first few months of the programme will be mainly based at PA Training in the City of London, learning the key radio and journalism skills they will need to thrive at talkSPORT. 

“The apprentices will have a contact session with talkSPORT every two weeks to maintain communication with their line manager. After this period they will embark on a three stop rotation between live programming, social media and audio production.”

Each rotation will last for four months. The apprentices will then get to assess their skills base and decide in consultation with their mentors and line manager, which department they should spend the final two months in. During this period they will also complete their end point assessment. 

Throughout the programme each apprentice will have a buddy who will be their go to with any questions or concerns they may have. On each rotation they will be mentored by the head of that department to make sure that they are acquiring the skills and experience they need. 

talkSPORT Breakfast Presenter Laura Woods said: “I can’t wait to meet our new apprentices and for them to see all the exciting opportunities ahead for the three young people who walk through the door. talkSPORT is such a fun place to work and these three apprentices will become valued members of the team.” 

Applications open on September 28 for two weeks closing on October 12. The successful candidates will start on December 7 for an 18 month programme. Any one aged over 18 can apply at https://apprenticeships.talksport.com. The scheme is being run in conjunction with PA Training.