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November 2007 News

Death of an icon results in two supplements for Welsh weeklies.

Tribute editions “done with dignity and won plaudits from local community” – editor.

Full list of successful NCE candidates

– Click through to read the full list of successful candidates

New board member joins Trinity Mirror

Five chief exec steps up; Plus – Press Club anniversary and more regional news in briefs.

Improved pass rate in latest round of NCEs

The pass rate for reporters taking the National Certificate Examination (NCE) has risen. Results for the latest round of exams, taken by 200 reporters during September, show that 130 passed – increasing the pass rate by 15 per cent on

Improved pass rate for journalists in latest round of NCEs

200 took September test – 130 passed, with success rate for first-timers up to 68 per cent

Two leave training body's photographic board

Departures from National Council for the Training of Journalists’ photo forum

Thumbs-up for journalism training at Cornwall College

Post-grad course is being hailed as one of the best in the country

Prizes for top trainee journalists in autumn exams

– Five receive cash prizes for outstanding work gaining their qualifications

NVQ and NCE will merge to create single journalism qualification

Move will see Newspaper Society transfer training responsibilities to NCTJ as NVQ is phased out

Reality TV show rewards student with a university journalism scholarship

BA chance for Scholar Hunt competitor after scooping top talent show prize

‘Outstanding training methods' win award for journalism body

NCTJ training commended after judges saw the new logbook training system

NCTJ hands out public affairs prize

Winner is announced at annual seminar in Westminster

First graduates join The Argus from neighbouring subs training centre

Trainees secure newspaper jobs thanks to course from The Journalist Works

Diversity Fund helping wannabe journalists achieve their goals

Event hears how 28 bursaries have been handed out in two years – as new £81k pledge is made

First trainees sit exam to test skills on reporting 'as it happens'

Candidates asked to write a breaking news story for publication online

Scots journalist appointed honorary professor at university

Investigative journalism lecturer’s appointment is part of creative industries programme

The i Paper Talent Scheme DMG Media London, closes 20 Dec
Senior Insight and Evaluation Manager Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Senior Media Officer Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Marketing Manager – Marketing, Campaigns and Internal Communications Metropolitan Police Westminster, closes 3 Dec
Editor Agence France Presse Hong Kong, closes 31 Dec
Senior PR Executive Strand PR Barkway, Hertfordshire, closes 19 Dec
Editor Prolific North Flexible Working, Hybrid Working, Manchester, closes 29 Nov
Corporate Investigations Researcher / Senior Researcher RLM Advisory Fully Remote, closes 4 Dec

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Tips on choosing a journalism course

Emma Clark, former marketing and communications manager for the National Council for the Training of Journalists, offers her advice on choosing between journalism courses.
Recently I've attended numerous careers fairs around the country, meeting students of all ages keen to break into journalism - whether that be in newspapers, television, radio or magazines. And of course, all students want to know which journalism course they should go on and whether they need NCTJ qualifications.

A quick look at the trainee job ads on HTFP demonstrates the importance of gaining the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism. Many adverts require candidates to have, or be awaiting results for, their NCTJ Diploma.

Trying to break into the industry without it makes a tough task almost impossible. With the rise in tuition fees, choosing the right journalism course is even more important than ever and students need to be sure they are learning the vocational skills required by employers, enabling them to hit the ground running when they enter the newsroom.

Employers know that an NCTJ-trained applicant will be able to find and construct stories, understand media law and ethics and be able to take down an accurate shorthand note when required. And contrary to popular belief it is not just the regional press looking for these skills, but nationals, online and broadcast too. Recent Sky Sports News schemes, for example, have been looking for practical skills including a minimum of 100wpm shorthand.

Student journalists can complete their NCTJ training in a number of ways - FE colleges and independent centres offer the Diploma in Journalism as fast-track and academic year courses, while universities offer it as part of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. All of these journalism courses lead to the same NCTJ qualifications and meet the same standard, allowing students to pick the one that's best for them.

It's no secret that the NCTJ has an exacting standard, and this applies not just to the qualifications but also to the course provider. All NCTJ-accredited courses have to work incredibly hard to meet the requirements in the same way that students have to work incredibly hard to achieve the gold standard. This ensures the NCTJ logo acts as a meaningful kitemark for quality journalism training.