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Writer apprenticeships

Authors, writers and translators > Writer

Creative and media

Writer apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • volunteering
  • applying directly
  • specialist training or self-teaching


    • University

    You'll need a high level of writing skill and talent. To develop these skills, you could get a qualification like a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject like: 

    • creative writing 
    • English language or literature 
    • creative and professional writing
    • journalism 
    You could also do a postgraduate writing course to get into this career. You'll usually need: 

    • 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma 
    • 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree 
    • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course 
    Volunteering

    You can do several things to develop your writing skills and learn more about the world of publishing. These include:

    • joining a local writers' group 
    • entering writing competitions 
    • blogging online
    Direct Application
    You might be able to apply directly for technical writer jobs in industries like engineering or pharmaceuticals, if you've got the relevant background and qualifications. Experience in journalism could also help you to get into travel or broadcast writing. 

    Other Routes
    You could work in TV or radio as a scriptwriter. BBC Writersroom has information, advice and workshops on writing and submitting scripts. You may be able to publish and sell your work without formal training or qualifications, if you're exceptionally talented and have taught yourself. A literary agent may be able to help you with this. 

    You'll need: 

    • creative ideas that will sell 
    • good research skills 
    • the ability to express ideas in a style suited to your intended audience 
    You'll also need to have confidence in your writing, be able to accept criticism and remain positive. You'll need a portfolio of your work to show to employers and commissioning editors.

    Writer apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of English language 
    • excellent written communication skills 
    • persistence and determination
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • the ability to use your initiative
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things 
    • ambition and a desire to succeed 
    • knowledge of media production and communication 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    Writer apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day activities may include: 

    • choosing a subject based on personal interest, or at the request of an agent or publisher 
    • coming up with ideas, plots or content headings 
    • researching information using the internet, libraries, site visits and personal interviews 
    • developing your story, article, blog, review or instruction manual 
    • submitting your draft to a publisher or editor 
    • revising your work after getting feedback 
    • uploading your work to websites or social media, or looking for publishing opportunities
    • attending book signings, readings and discussions of your work 
    • running writing workshops
    Working environment
    You could work in an office.

    Career path and progression - Writer apprenticeships

    You could self-publish, in traditional print format, online or through e-books. You might be able to promote your work by entering literary competitions, become a book critic or teach creative writing in colleges.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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