This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Salary for Sky's journalism, digital marketing and finance apprenticeships (2026 intake)
- £27,010
- Source: Sky (opens in a new tab)
- Range of levels, from customer service to the CIMA finance route
- Level 2–7
- Source: Sky (opens in a new tab)
Overview
Sky is best known for Sky TV, broadband and Sky News. Its apprenticeships are grouped into four areas: business, content, customer and finance. Sky says you don’t need any previous experience.
The programmes
| Programme | Level | Length | Pay (2026 intake) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Sales | 2 (SCQF 6 in Scotland) | 15 months | £26,428–£29,060 |
| Digital Marketing | 3 | 2 years | £27,010 |
| Sky News Journalism | 5, with the NCTJ Diploma | 2 years | £27,010 |
| Finance (CIMA) | 4, then 7 | 5 years | £27,010 |
Most programmes are based at Sky’s Osterley campus in west London. Customer sales roles are also in Cardiff and Glasgow, and journalism apprentices start with around five months of training at PA Media Academy in central London.
What you need
Requirements depend on the programme: two GCSEs for customer sales, five GCSEs including English and maths for marketing and journalism, and three A levels as well for finance. Journalism apprentices need to be 18 or over, and the finance route has an upper age limit for the Level 7 stage.
Perks
Sky lists a pension with up to 9% employer contribution, private healthcare, free Sky TV or NOW, and staff discounts.
What they do
Sky provides TV, broadband and mobile services and runs channels including Sky News. Its apprenticeships are grouped into four areas - business, content, customer and finance - mostly based at its Osterley campus in west London, with customer roles in Cardiff and Scotland too.
Apprenticeships they offer
-
Customer Sales Apprenticeship
Customer
Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner in Cardiff and Osterley, or SCQF Level 6 Customer Service in Glasgow. £26,428 in Cardiff and Glasgow and £29,060 in Osterley (2026 intake).
-
Digital Marketing Apprenticeship
Business
Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer, delivered by QA, at Osterley. You join a marketing team such as TV, Broadband or Digital, then rotate through two more in your second year.
-
Sky News Journalism Apprenticeship
Content
Level 5 journalism apprenticeship including the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Around five months of training at PA Media Academy in central London, then work in the Sky News newsroom at Osterley.
-
Finance Apprenticeship
Finance
Starts with the CIMA Certificate (Level 4) and moves on to CIMA Professional Level (Level 7), rotating through finance teams such as Content, Product, Media and Strategy. Based at Osterley.
Career areas
Entry requirements
- Customer Sales (Level 2)
- At least two GCSEs (or equivalent), and above school-leaving age. From Sky's programme page for its 2026 intake.
- Digital Marketing and Journalism
- Five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English and maths, or BTEC Level 2. From Sky's programme pages for its 2026 intake.
- Finance (Level 4 to 7)
- Five GCSEs at grades 9–4 including English and maths (or BTEC Level 2), plus three A levels at grades A–C. From Sky's programme page for its 2026 intake.
Who can apply
- You need the right to work in the UK by the start date. For the finance apprenticeship, it must last the full five years.
- The journalism apprenticeship asks you to be 18 or over and to have lived in the UK or Republic of Ireland for at least three years.
- The finance apprenticeship asks you to be 16 to 21 when the Level 7 stage starts, or under 25 if you're a care leaver or have an EHC plan.
- You can't already have a qualification in the same subject area, and you need to have finished your studies before you start.
Our tips for Sky
- Sky says you don't need prior experience, so focus on showing why you're interested in the area.
- Use Sky's Prep Hub before your assessments. Sky says over 5,000 candidates used it last year.
- Check the age rules for your programme. Journalism needs you to be 18 or over, while finance has an upper age limit.
- Most programmes are at Osterley in west London, so work out your commute or whether you'd need to move.
Summary
- Sky's apprenticeships cover business, content (including Sky News journalism), customer and finance roles.
- Levels go from Level 2 customer sales to a five-year finance route that ends at CIMA Level 7.
- Published pay for 2026 was £26,428 to £29,060, with up to 9% employer pension contributions.
- You don't need prior experience, but some programmes have age rules.
Questions about Sky apprenticeships
How much do Sky apprentices get paid?
For the 2026 intake, Sky published £27,010 for its journalism, digital marketing and finance apprenticeships, and £26,428 (Cardiff and Glasgow) or £29,060 (Osterley) for customer sales. Compare that with the legal minimum in our apprentice pay guide.
How do I get a Sky News journalism apprenticeship?
You need five GCSEs at grades 9–4 including English and maths (or BTEC Level 2), to be 18 or over, and to have lived in the UK or Ireland for at least three years. It's a two-year Level 5 apprenticeship that includes the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism.
Do you need experience for a Sky apprenticeship?
No. Sky says you don't need prior experience, and its programmes suit people starting their careers or ready for a change.
Where are Sky apprenticeships based?
Mostly at Sky's Osterley campus in west London. Customer sales apprenticeships are also in Cardiff and Glasgow.
Does Sky do accountancy apprenticeships?
Yes. Its five-year finance apprenticeship starts with the CIMA Certificate at Level 4 and moves on to CIMA Professional Level at Level 7. You need three A levels at grades A–C.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.
- Apprenticeships at Sky (opens in a new tab)
- Finance Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab) Pay and entry rules for the 2026 intake.
- Journalism Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab) Pay and entry rules for the 2026 intake.
- Digital Marketing Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)
- Customer Sales Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)