A video promoting journalism apprenticeships has been unveiled on the NCTJ website to mark National Apprenticeship Week (9-13 March).
The video was commissioned by the NCTJ to raise awareness of the training scheme as a route into journalism. It features contributions from apprentices, training providers and employers from the newspaper, magazine, broadcast and online sectors.
The video can be viewed here.
James Kilpatrick, Sky Sports News’ first journalism apprentice, was instrumental in the production of the video and is featured as one of the contributors.
A group of employers representing regional and national newspapers, magazines, broadcasters and online media, together with the NCTJ, were chosen by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) in 2013 to develop an apprenticeship standard for junior journalists (level 3).
This was published in August 2014 and the group are now leading the development of a higher-level apprenticeship, the first of its kind for journalists, which will offer a progression route for those who complete the level 3 apprenticeship.
Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “The journalism apprenticeships are proving to be a very popular route into the industry with both new recruits and employers.
“All of the apprentices I have met have shown great enthusiasm, which I think is demonstrated in this video, and we are fortunate to be working with a dedicated team of employers from across the industry in the development of our apprenticeship programme. I would like to thank BSkyB and the contributors for working with us on this project.”
Laurie Tucker, head of journalism training at Sky Sports News, who produced the video and is a member of the apprenticeship steering group, said: “An NCTJ journalism apprenticeship ensures apprentices are trained to the same exacting standards we expect from all NCTJ-qualified trainees, while helping employers to recruit school leavers directly from their communities.
“This video will give an insight into what it’s like to work as an apprentice while showing the benefits of recruiting apprentices to employers.”
Contributors to the video include: Mark Allen, chairman, Mark Allen Group; Joanne Butcher, chief executive, NCTJ; Colin Campbell-Austin, head of talent and people development, Telegraph Media Group; Josie Hannett, apprentice, KM Group; James Kilpatrick, apprentice, Sky Sports News; Roz McKenzie, head of journalism, Lambeth College; Emma Mills, apprentice, Daily Telegraph; Ben Mitchell, apprentice, BBC Radio 4;Angie Nehring, BBC radio journalism apprenticeship manager; Laurie Tucker, head of journalism training, Sky Sports News; Alex Turnbull, apprentice, Mark Allen Group; andLeo Whitlock, editor, Kentish Gazette.
About the National Council for the Training of Journalists
The NCTJ is the leading journalism training organisation. It accredits courses at education and training providers; offers qualifications which guarantee the skills needed in the workplace for entry-level students and trainees through to senior status; fosters continuing professional development for journalists, and provides a range of services and products relevant to its customers.
To find out more, visit www.nctj.com
