Students scent a journalism career at NCTJ event

Picture: Students from Newport Free Grammar School at the New Granary with staff from the NCTJ.

A career in journalism may beckon for ten students from Newport who visited the headquarters of the National Council for the Training of Journalists. 

The sixth form students from Newport Free Grammar School were welcomed to the New Granary in Station Road, Newport, by Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ. 

Joanne said: “We are delighted that sixth form students from Newport Free Grammar School accepted our invitation to find out more about careers in journalism. We are keen for the NCTJ to play a role in our local community and to build links with local schools.” 

The students were visiting NCTJ headquarters as part of the charity’s ongoing campaign to promote careers in journalism and quality journalism training. 

Joanne outlined the role of the NCTJ in delivering the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK and explained the various job opportunities across the media while Lyn Jones, NCTJ head of qualifications, outlined the structure and content of NCTJ qualifications. 

Glen Oldershaw, NCTJ head of marketing and communications and former news editor of the Essex Chronicle and the Essex County Standard, took the students through the qualities editors look for in news reporters and gave the students a general knowledge quiz. 

Daniel Barden, chief reporter of the Saffron Walden Reporter, explained what it was like to be a successful working journalist reporting on local issues. 

Student Henry Teal said: “This day has given me a great insight into journalism, the route to being a journalist and the value of NCTJ courses.” 

Gavin Templeton said: “Today’s journalism careers seminar was excellent, it has assured me I have made the right career option.” 

Will Shaw said: “It was really informative and surprisingly entertaining. NCTJ courses look really inviting now.”

Karis Hampton said: “The event was very useful for anyone considering a career in journalism or the media and it gave a fascinating insight into the industry and methods of becoming involved in such a career.”