Cardonald joins journalism training scheme
26 October 2009
THE Herald & Times Group has launched a journalism training scheme that is designed to be the industry’s leader in learning.
The programme, in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University and Cardonald College Glasgow, will offer paid placements to young journalists studying to enter the industry.
Donald Martin, Editor in Chief, said the Herald & Times Editorial Training Scheme will nurture and encourage talent to help strengthen and rebuild the industry across Scotland.
“This innovative programme will be the gold-standard of journalism training. We are encouraging journalism students who are on NCTJ-accredited courses to develop their skills in the workplace they want to be part of.
“We are offering paid shifts designed to help them learn how to write and report better. They will have the opportunity to work across our titles in print and online as we extend our multimedia output.
“It is a long-term commitment to the industry and a major investment in making journalism better.”
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: “This is an encouraging and innovative scheme from the Herald and Evening Times Group. Initiatives to boost Scotland’s newspaper industry, including increased training for aspiring journalists, are welcomed by the Scottish Government.
“While the industry faces a number of challenges, including new media developments, there is every reason to believe Scottish newspapers can evolve to meet their readers’ needs and maintain traditions of large readerships.
“Equipping trainees with the skills and first-hand experiences to launch their own careers has the potential to take newspapers forward, help them weather the difficult times and make a full contribution to positioning the industry, and Scotland’s economy, for recovery."
As well as paid shifts at the Herald and Times, students will also benefit from senior members of the Group’s editorial team delivering a range of media workshops on-site at GCU and Cardonald College.
Joanne Butcher, Chief Executive of the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), said: “Work experience is a crucial part of a student’s preparation for a career in journalism.
“The Herald and Times Editorial Training Scheme is to be applauded because it goes much further not only by providing well-organised and structured on-the-job training but by paying students for their work to help them meet the costs of their courses and examinations.”
Both of the BA Journalism and MA Multimedia Journalism at the GCU are accredited by the NCTJ and BJTC; the BA is the only undergraduate programme in Scotland with NCTJ accreditation. Cardonald is the only HN in Scotland to have NCTJ accreditation.
Martin Boyle, Course Coordinator at Cardonald College Glasgow said: "We strive for excellence in our journalism delivery and, along with NCTJ accreditation; the partnership with the Herald and Evening Times is an exciting, unique collaboration which further strengthens our position at the heart of Scotland's journalism training.
"Work experience, training and the opportunity to learn from the vast expertise on offer is sure to be of huge benefit to our students, ensuring that they are ahead of the game when it comes to making an impact in such a challenging and competitive industry."
Julian Calvert, senior lecturer in journalism at Glasgow Caledonian University, said: "This collaboration with the Herald and Times further strengthens our relationship with Scotland’s leading media company.
“Work experience has always been a key factor in securing the employability of our graduates, and it's great that journalists from the Herald and Times will be passing on their knowledge and skills to our students, both in the newsroom and on the campus."