The National Council for the Training of Journalists has launched its first awards scheme.

The Awards for Excellence in Journalism will celebrate the achievements of students and trainees in five categories: news reporter, sports reporter, top scoop, feature writer and images of the year.

In each category, a prize will be awarded to a student on an NCTJ-accredited pre-entry course and a trainee with less than two years experience.

The awards are free to enter and open to all NCTJ students and trainees on the National Certificate Examination pathway.

Work must have been produced between September 1, 2007, and July 31 this year.

In addition, there are three separate awards for the best NCTJ part-qualified and fully-qualified journalists.

These are student journalist of the year for the best-performing student based on preliminary exam results and references.

There are also photographer and reporter of the year prizes for the best-performing candidates in the NCE.

Nominations are also being taken for a special award to recognise someone’s outstanding contribution to high standards of journalism training.

The deadline for applications is August 15 and winners will be announced at the Society of Editors Conference, in November.

For more information and to enter visit the NCTJ website.