Among the 28 new trainees will be an ex-make-up artist and a former Tesco worker as part of the scheme’s first intake
The appointments are part of the publisher’s strategy to both increase diversity in both its workforce and content. Launched in 2020, a key pillar of this strategy is to attract, develop and retain young talent from a much broader pool.
This includes working toward a 50/50 gender split in the organisation as well as a target of 20% representation of those from ethnic minorities.
The apprentices have a variety of roles across News UK’s national news brands, other media outlets and commercial and financial teams and will spend two years in work and training.
Journalism trainees will each earn a London living wage, get full training (including NCTJ qualifications) and have all course fees paid.
Some of the new recruits join as apprentices from their six-month Kickstart internships with News UK. This includes Sharin Hussein, who joins The Times as a trainee journalist.
Remarking on the importance of the scheme to open up entry into the industry, Hussein said: “I’ve always been interested in journalism and media in general, but it’s such a tough industry to get into. Kickstart was a great opportunity to actually see how the industry works, get to understand it a little bit better and start my career.
“I hope to have a hand in changing the narrative around there being a lack of representation of minority communities in the media.”
Receiving The Sun’s Vikki Orvice scholarship, which aims to increase the number of female sports journalists, Sandra Brobbey commented: “It is a huge honour to be following in the footsteps of an inspirational, highly-regarded and pioneering sports writer who blazed a trail for women aspiring to work in sports reporting.
“This is an opportunity I will be making the most of as a woman who has entered this industry after many years of working in a different field.”
Mark Hudson, News UK’s head of early talent, added: “We’re proud to lead the way with this initiative to create opportunities for anyone who aspires to work in the media.
“This is a meritocratic company that encourages young talent from any background, and I know that this cohort has already started to make an impact.”
