Action Scheme

Thinking of a career in journalism? Each summer, we offer two‑week work experience placements for those from under‑represented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism.

Our Positive Action Scheme has created opportunities for hundreds of aspiring journalists. All participants, with their energy and creativity, have proved beyond doubt that organisations benefit by having a greater diversity of contributors and the ideas they bring. This thinking has fed into everything we do at the Guardian. The scheme has already transformed many careers. It could transform yours too.

The Guardian believes there should be a better representation of our diverse society in the media and each summer offers paid work experience schemes for those from under‑represented groups who are aiming to start a career in journalism.

This year our London office is running the schemes during the summer:

• people with disabilities
• Black, Asian and minority‑ethnic applicants
• people from working‑class backgrounds

• During your time with us you’ll gain an insight into the profession, across different sections of our newspaper and website.
• You’ll pitch story ideas, take part in daily discussions and decision‑making meetings, as well as assist editors with research.
• You’ll have an experienced journalist as a mentor to offer career advice.
• Applications for all schemes close on Sunday 29 March 2026.

Please note, the schemes are only open to applicants over 18 years old. You must have the right to train in the UK at the time of application.

• Over two weeks you’ll gain experience in two different sections – one week in each – which might include Features, Multimedia, Sport, Saturday magazine, Podcasting, Business/Consumer, Environment, among others. This scheme will take place between Monday June 8 and Friday June 19
  .
• Over two weeks
  , you’ll gain experience in two different sections – one week in each – which might include Features, Multimedia, Sport, Saturday magazine, Podcasting, Business/Consumer, Environment, among others. This scheme will take place between Monday June 22 and Friday July 3.
• Over four weeks during June, July, September or October you’ll shadow our photographers and picture editors, learning about different aspects of photojournalism. You’ll likely be sent out on individual photography assignments.

• Over two weeks in July or August, you’ll gain experience across 4‑5 sections which could include Features, Saturday Magazine, News, Business/Consumer, Books or Multimedia, among others.
• After the initial fortnight, participants can come back and spend one more week on their preferred desk.
• Over two weeks in July or August, you will see up close the daily discussions and decision‑making which determine how we cover the climate crisis as well as local, national and global environmental stories.
• Over two weeks in June or July, you will gain experience on our sports desk alongside our team of writers, sub‑editors and editors, learning how we cover the biggest sporting events across the globe.
• Over two weeks in June, July or August, you will shadow our video/audio producers, editors and hosts, on shows such as Today in Focus, Politics Weekly, Science Weekly and Football Weekly.
• Over four weeks during June, July, September or October you’ll shadow our photographers and picture editors, learning about different aspects of photojournalism. You’ll likely be sent out on individual photography assignments.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve,…