 By Zannah Ingraham, Editor, Prospects, May 2007. When it comes to print media, the emphasis on vocational training is high. Though there are some lucky souls who make it onto national newspapers by virtue of a strong mix of contacts and experience, they are few and far between. For the majority of journalists, formal training is the well-trodden route into the industry. For aspiring print journalists, courses accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) are the industry standard. Accredited courses are available at postgraduate level and range in length from a few months for a postgraduate diploma to one year for Masters level courses. As part of these courses students study the NCTJ pre-entry certificate which consists of exams including media law, shorthand, news writing and public affairs. A portfolio of writing and reporting exercises and news cuttings will also be introduced into the certificate this year. Some course providers will also offer an optional examination in sub-editing. These exams can also be taken separately to postgraduate level qualifications at a number of further education colleges throughout the country and direct by distance learning with the NCTJ. For many positions on regional and national newspapers the pre-entry certificate is a prerequisite for the job. It is also worth bearing in mind that even if you do secure a first job without the qualification, you may be asked to undertake it by your employer at a later date. ‘At one time you used to be able to get in with a couple of A-levels or just the ability to write,’ explains Louise Mather, from the Guardian Media Group. ‘But I think that a lot of people now ask for some sort of NCTJ qualification, either the fast track or postgraduate diploma. It’s about being able to hit the ground running. If you come in as a trainee with a larger newspaper like us we need you to know what you can and can’t put into copy from an editorial law perspective.’ While NCTJ accredited courses will provide you with the training in writing, shorthand and law you need to work as a journalist, it’s important to remember that employers will only consider this postgraduate study against the background of your other work experience. As Claire Burbage, a reporter for regional daily newspaper, the Northern Echo explains: ‘I was so lucky that I knew I needed to do an NCTJ course and that I also knew how important experience was. As well as doing the course, I made sure that I had a placement every half term and every holiday. By the time I had finished I had worked at about ten different places. This meant that I not only had the qualifications I needed to get in, but I had also developed a good portfolio of cuttings, which made me the ideal candidate for the job. If I had not done the work experience and the NCTJ I would not have got my job. You need both, they both go together.’ Claire’s experience is typical of print journalists across the country. In a highly competitive industry the only way to succeed is to gain as much work experience as possible, research the roles you are interested in thoroughly and make sure that you have the practical skills and training you need to enter the industry. Further information
Top of page.
| 
