Reach PLC is funding two free places on the Fast-Track Journalism course staring in January!

Two free places on our fast-track Journalism NCTJ diploma course  are now available thanks to new bursaries funded by Reach PLC.

In a press release from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), it was announced that Reach PLC, who run a network of 70 websites providing 24/7 coverage of news, sport and showbiz stories, will not only cover course costs for two successful recipients, but will also give them privileged access to their MyLondon and football.london newsrooms throughout the course.

These weekly industry placements will give the bursary recipients unrivalled access to the inner workings of these top news brands with opportunities to interact with audiences, publish work and forge journalism contacts.

Students on course will reflect the work of a professional journalist, responding to breaking news stories, taking part in live location reporting, filming, editing and learning the latest in social media techniques from experts.

Reach PLC is seeking bursary applications from local people who can’t afford the training and could bring diversity to the newsroom. The potential and passion for making a difference in journalism is a must.

Andy Worden, editor of MyLondon, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Sutton College. Journalism is an exciting and rewarding career and we want to make it accessible to as many people as possible.

“We launched MyLondon a year ago with the aim of telling stories which really matter to people across our great city. We can only do that by making sure our journalism is created by the most diverse range of voices possible, and working with Sutton College is a real privilege.

“We welcome the fact that students already recognise the potential of a career in journalism – and we’re happy to help them along on their way.”

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday, 17 January 2020. Details on how to apply can be found below.

More information about the course can be found here: http://www.suttoncollege.ac.uk/course/diploma-in-journalism-l3-fast-track-18-week-nctj-763000068838898

Can I apply? To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be socially or ethnically diverse. [By socially or ethnically diverse we mean we are looking for people who are from a different background to the majority of people who occupy newsrooms today (white middle class). However, this does not simply mean people from an ethnic background. It may also be that your social class, disability, individual circumstances or sexual orientation makes you diverse.]
• Show a passion and commitment to the journalism industry and a potential to succeed
• Be a British citizen residing in the UK
• Not in receipt of any other bursary award
• Be able to prove the need for financial support

Successful recipients of the bursary will receive:

• Payment of course fees for the 18-week NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course at Sutton College, paid for from the Journalism Diversity Fund.
• Industry placements at MyLondon or football.london on Fridays during the fast-track course

How do I apply?

Please apply for a place on the course by emailing Roy Lee roylee@suttoncollege.ac.uk and sending a 350-word statement of interest by 5pm on Friday, 17 January 2020.

In your statement of interest, you should include why you want to be a journalist, your career aspirations, how you would bring diversity to a newsroom and any relevant journalism experience you may have had. Please also include your previous education.

Applicants will be asked to come to the college for a course approval session and will be asked to complete the NCTJ approved entrance test.