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Regional daily’s first ‘classroom in the newsroom’ students graduate

The first set of journalism students to take part in a programme which saw them learn in a regional daily’s newsroom have graduated.

The students from the Southern Daily Echo’s first ‘Classroom in the Newsroom have completed their National Council for Training of Journalists-accredited course, which began in September.

The scheme is run in partnership with Portsmouth’s Highbury College, which has run a similar course based at The News, in Portsmouth, for the past four years.

During the past year the students covered reporting, public affairs, media law, court reporting, video broadcasting and shorthand, while dividing their time between classroom sessions and carrying out reporting tasks.

The Southern Daily Echo's first 'Classroom in the Newsroom' students

The Southern Daily Echo’s first ‘Classroom in the Newsroom’ students

Paul Foster, who runs the NCTJ-accredited courses at Highbury College, said: “This was our first year in partnership with the Southern Daily Echo and it’s been a huge success.

“We’re now looking for the next batch of wannabe journalists who have a nose for a story and dream of a future career in the media, whether that’s in newspapers, social media, magazines or online.

“The students who passed through the Echo this year have had a great experience and are on the first step of the ladder to get a job.”

David Brine, the Daily Echo’s head of training, who runs the scheme in the newsroom, added: “It’s been a fantastic learning experience – for the students, for myself and my colleagues in the newsroom.

“We are currently considering taking on some of the students as full-time reporters and I will certainly be following their progress over the years.”