Journalism training ‘legend’ wins NCTJ chairman’s award

Sue Green, journalism trainer and NCTJ examiner, has been honoured with the 2015 NCTJ chairman’s award for her outstanding contribution to journalism training and education.

Sue was presented with her award by NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher following an awards dinner at the Journalism Skills Conference held in the Library of Birmingham on Thursday, 26 November.

During the presentation, Kim praised Sue as “an inspirational trainer who placed Wolverhampton College firmly and consistently at the top of the results tables and, working with the BBC Academy, has pioneered training for apprentices from a wider talent pool.”

Kim added: “Hugely popular with our staff, Sue is a fantastic ambassador for the NCTJ, in particular as a member of the public affairs board and a senior media law examiner. Sue received so many nominations I know she will be a popular choice for my award.

“Inspiring, knowledgeable, supportive, invaluable, passionate and exemplary are some of the words frequently used to describe Sue. To quote one of her apprentices: She is a legend!”

Sue began her career as a trainee in 1967 on the Cannock Advertiser and Courier, gaining her NCTJ qualification in 1971. She was a journalist at the Sunday Mercury, Coventry Telegraph and Birmingham Post and Mail, and became the first woman director of the Birmingham Press Club in 1975. Wolverhampton College employed Sue in 1998 where she taught reporting, media law and public affairs on NCTJ courses until the end of 2013.

Her retirement was put on hold when the BBC signed a deal with Wolverhampton College to help them train 46 BBC local radio apprentices. Five Express and Star apprentices also joined the scheme with Sue at the helm.

Pictured: Sue Green and NCTJ chairman Kim Fletcher. Photography by BBC Academy/Mark Robertson