Maturity and confidence combined with some vocational experience and training should see tomorrow's journalists land their first job.

Eastern Daily Press senior content editor Paul Durrant told students that he "wasn't bothered" about them having a degree.

Speaking at the second annual student council meeting, he added: "I'm bothered about NCTJ qualifications – I'm bothered about vocational training. I'm looking for maturity, passion and confidence.

"In terms of currency in the industry, I need to know someone's got 100wpm shorthand, that they know what a Section 39 is."

The advice comes in stark contrast to yesterday's news from university admissions service Ucas that applications to journalism degrees were up by 24pc.

Run by the National Council for the Training of Journalists, the council brings journalism students from across the UK face-to-face with editors and other industry bigwigs.

Students quizzed editors on the realities of the workplace, to help them prepare for the end of their courses and received tips about what editors are looking for when recruiting.

Brien Beharrell, editorial director of the Newbury Weekly News, advised trainees applying for jobs outside their area to visit the new patch and get a feel for what makes the community tick.

The meeting, at Bloomberg in London, also featured a Q&A session with NCTJ staff, in which students addressed a variety of issues which will be taken forward by the body.

Students were also updated on actions the NCTJ has taken since the inaugural student council meeting last year, which include the publication of results tables, a new public affairs text book and exams specific to Scotland.

The council also received a tour of Bloomberg's high-tech office and heard about the news service's paid internship scheme.

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