The Guardian is creating 40 digital journalism roles through a new scheme designed to develop skills across video, audio, photography, text and audience engagement.
The Digital Journalist Scheme will offer 18-month fixed-term contracts with an annual salary of £48,000. Participants will join the publisher’s London newsroom in January 2027, combining editorial work with training and a content creator apprenticeship.
Applications are being managed by Creative Access, with the scheme aimed at candidates who have at least two to three years’ experience in journalism, media or content creation. Applicants need experience in only one relevant specialism, with training intended to help them broaden their capabilities across formats and platforms.
“This scheme is focused on finding journalists who are looking to develop multi-platform technical skills across audio, video, photography, text, and audience engagement,” The Guardian said in its recruitment material.
Participants will work across editorial departments, contributing to content from initial research through to final production. The programme will include opportunities to experiment with different storytelling formats, alongside masterclasses, mentoring and feedback from colleagues. At least 20% of participants’ time will be devoted to training, combining a Level 3 content creator apprenticeship delivered with a training provider and sessions designed by The Guardian around its journalism and editorial standards.
The recruitment process has two pathways: one for candidates whose experience is primarily in video, audio or pictures, and another for those with a background in text, copywriting, digital publishing or audience development, including social media, newsletters and search engine optimisation. These routes will help match applicants to assessment centres relevant to their existing skills.
The Guardian is seeking candidates with strong communication skills, an instinct for storytelling and the ability to research information quickly. Understanding how audiences behave across platforms, using analytics to inform editorial decisions, and demonstrating sound judgement and a commitment to ethical standards are also among the requirements.
A degree is not required. Relevant experience could include work for local or regional publications, freelance journalism, community or independent media, or a self-developed publishing portfolio through platforms such as Substack.
Both The Guardian and Creative Access are encouraging applications from groups underrepresented in the media and creative industries.
The 40 positions are additional to 55 permanent roles being created across The Guardian’s UK, US and Australian operations in editorial, product development, analytics and commercial functions. Applications close on Thursday October 8.
The recruitment scheme comes as The Guardian expands its digital content production through Guardian Studios, a new production arm focused on video-first, personality-led journalism. Led by Leah Green, the division recently appointed former DARE Pictures founder Derren Lawford as executive producer, development, to help create new visual formats and develop on-screen talent. Green will also speak at TellyCast’s Digital Content Forum, which takes place at BFI Southbank on November 5.
Image – courtesy The Guardian, linked to the digital training scheme
