An apprentice turned video journalist at an independent publisher has been nominated for an award just three months into her first full-time job.

Josie Hannett, who works for the KM Group’s KMTV operation, has been nominated in the Words By Women Awards, which has been set up to counteract the lack of women nominated for the UK’s Press Awards.

Josie began working at the KM Group’s Kentish Express newspaper after leaving school at 18, and has been nominated Non-Traditional Journalist category, which recognises people who have got into the industry through routes other than university or other forms education.

Now 20, she began working in her current role for KMTV in December.

Josie, pictured above left, said: “So far, I’ve been bitten by pig, had a selfie with a cheetah, and become a news reader! Everyday is different and that’s what I love about video journalism.

“I think for me my proudest achievement is being able to say at 20-years-old, I have a full-time job doing what I love every single day. The apprenticeship has led me down a path which I didn’t think three years ago was possible.

“Working in organisations like the KM and KMTV has given me such an amazing opportunity and I’ve loved every stage of it. I’m told by our editorial director that we’ll be looking for another editorial apprentice this summer, and I recommend applying.

“Just 3 months into my full-time job I would’ve never have said I would have been shortlisted for an award for my work – I cannot believe it. I had absolutely no idea that I’d been nominated.

“I’m very proud to be recognised in the industry against some fantastic nominees, by being shortlisted in the ‘Words by Women Awards’ and I can’t wait for the evening.”

The awards were set up last month after it was revealed women received only 20 nominations out of a possible 114 for the Press Awards.

The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 21 March.