Tens of thousands of schoolchildren across the country are being urged to consider journalism as a career in a new guide to the industry.

The National Council for the Training of Journalists has produced the new careers guide, which will be sent to more than 3,500 secondary schools and colleges across the UK.

The guide aims to encourage young people from a range of backgrounds to consider becoming journalists, and includes listings of all NCTJ-accredited courses.

It also features accounts from NCTJ alumni about the different paths they took into successful careers, as well as pieces “debunking” job roles and explaining why shorthand is “invaluable”.

Claire Wilde, JPIMedia’s news editor for data and investigations, has written a piece for the guide on what makes a good data journalist.

She said: “A good working knowledge of spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, and a willingness to learn will stand you in good stead.

“For anyone wanting to be an investigative journalist, you may find your big scoop hidden in a pile of data. So be prepared to dig in.”

Sports journalist and broadcaster Vaishali Bhardwaj, who appear’s on the guide’s cover, added: “There’s nothing like hands-on experience. Get yourself involved and work out whether it’s for you. Once you have done that, ensure you have the skills.

“The NCTJ qualifications give you that basis and confidence in your trade that allow you to excel.”

The booklet, sponsored by the Financial Times, further includes features on the Journalism Diversity Fund and the Facebook-funded Community News Project.

It will be published in print and online this week, and will be launched at the NCTJ’s equality, diversity and inclusion conference on Thursday.