Apprenticeship glossary

NCTJ Diploma

What does NCTJ Diploma mean?

The National Council for the Training of Journalists' diploma, a widely recognised journalism qualification. Sky's Level 5 journalism apprenticeship includes it.

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Employer profile Sky apprenticeships The TV, broadband and mobile company behind Sky News and Sky TV. Its apprenticeships run from Level 2 customer roles to a five-year Level 7 finance route, with published pay of £26,428 to £29,060 for its 2026 intake.
CIMA
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants qualification. Sky's five-year finance apprenticeship starts with the CIMA Certificate at Level 4 and moves on to CIMA Professional Level at Level 7.
Workplace pension
A pension your employer pays into alongside you. Many employers list it as a benefit; Sky, for example, says it contributes up to 9%.
Apprentice
Someone doing an apprenticeship: an employee who is paid to work and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time.
Apprenticeship
A real, paid job where you also train towards a recognised qualification. In England at least 20% of your normal working hours are spent training, and you don't pay tuition fees.
Level
How advanced an apprenticeship's qualification is. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland they run from Level 2 (like GCSEs) to Level 7 (like a master's degree). Scotland uses SCQF levels instead.
Professional qualification
A qualification from a professional body, like the ACA, CIMA or NCTJ Diploma, that shows you can work in a particular profession. Many apprenticeships include one instead of, or as well as, a degree.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.