The Paul McClean graduate trainee programme, now open for applications, recruits and trains entry-level journalists from all walks of life for a long-term career at one of the world’s leading and most respected news organisations. 

The scheme is named after Paul McClean, a gifted journalist who produced groundbreaking work during his two years as an FT trainee. Sadly, Paul passed away in September 2017.

We are looking for talented, driven reporters like Paul who want to develop an FT career in financial journalism and global affairs; people who are curious about the world, strongly committed to serious journalism and who enjoy the thrill of nailing a good story.

Alumni of this highly-competitive scheme — now in its 37th year — are well represented in senior staff of the FT and other news organisations around the world.

About You

All applicants must demonstrate they can cope with the pressure of working in a fast-paced news organisation with assignments abroad. You should be a self-starter committed to unstintingly high standards, have a keen interest in business and global affairs, an international mindset and sharp reporting instincts. Strong writing ability is vital. You should be excited about getting scoops and telling stories across all formats.

Language skills, in addition to fluent spoken and written English, are an advantage, as are data journalism skills and the ability to understand different cultures.

The Paul McClean graduate trainee programme is not an internship or fellowship: it is a full-time contract as a trainee Financial Times journalist.

Successful applicants will join us in September 2023, spend seven weeks training, then take on two years of six-month assignments. These include one overseas posting. For their third year, the trainee will undertake their first dedicated job. Mentoring, feedback and further training are provided throughout.

How To Apply

All applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Please upload three documents to this form.

• CV: include the name and city of your secondary school; university and subject details; post-grad education (if any); other qualifications including data journalism/analytical skills; languages including competency level; leisure interests. 
• Cover Letter: tell us about yourself, including why you want to be a journalist at the FT and why we should choose you. Also, in no more than 60 words, tell us which business figure you would like to interview and why?
• An unpublished news story with an emphasis on original reporting, on a topic of interest to FT readers. We are looking for a story that you have researched and written yourself with the FT in mind. It should be a news story – not an opinion piece. Submissions that have been published will be rejected. (500 words max).

Applications submitted without all three requirements, will not be assessed. The deadline for applications is 15 January 2023. Successful applicants will start on 11 September 2023 (TBC). Please mention Journo Resources when you apply, it really helps us out.

The salary is £28,000, in the first-year, rising to £30,000 in the second year and £35,000 in the third year on appointment to the first job in a competitive application process (subject to satisfactory performance throughout). In addition, the trainee will receive a one-off £750 welcome payment on joining. 

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities. Full details of our benefits can be found here.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

The FT is committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer seeking to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help.