Students speak with NCTJ head of communications

Picture: Glen Oldershaw, NCTJ head of communications

The life-changing benefits of studying an NCTJ-accredited course were clearly outlined to sixth form and undergraduate students at a university careers event.

Glen Oldershaw, NCTJ head of communications, attended the Working in the Media Event organised by the University of Cambridge careers service on Tuesday, an event attended by undergraduates and sixth-formers from schools and colleges surrounding the town.

Students spoke to Glen for three hours about careers in journalism and the recognition NCTJ qualifications hold within the industry. He also promoted all 68 NCTJ-accredited courses.

Glen said: “It was interesting to note how many students had been informed by working journalists that NCTJ-accredited courses are the gold standard of journalism training.

“Several times throughout the evening, I met students who had completed work experience at print, broadcast and online news providers and had been advised by staff to study an NCTJ-accredited course.”

Glen, who studied the NCTJ preliminary qualification at Harlow College and later passed the NCE, also took the time to stress the practical nature and structure of the NCTJ qualifications.

He added: “It wasn’t all business, I always tell a few colourful stories about newsroom life – journalism is a great career and I feel it is important to fire enthusiasm in aspiring journalists.”

Glen will be representing the NCTJ at careers events across the country throughout the year to promote accredited courses. It follows industry concern that too many students wishing to be journalists, waste time and money on courses not recognised by employers because they do not cover the core skills required in the workplace.