The National Council for the Training of Journalists has today launched a new Google-backed online academy aimed at helping working journalists to improve their skills.

The NCTJ has officially unveiled its new e-learning platform, the Journalism Skills Academy, which will offer courses for journalists on subjects including fact-checking and verification, writing for the web and the essentials of media law.

The service, whose planned launch was covered by HTFP in June, will also offer video masterclasses led by experts and careers information such as CV and cover letter tips from editors, while users will be able to complete interactive quizzes to test and improve their knowledge of topics such as media law and shorthand.

The JSA will also be the hub for all of the NCTJ’s distance learning programmes, including for the first time the National Qualification in Journalism, meaning journalists who do not have employer-led NQJ training available to them can apply now to study the qualification online through the portal.

The scheme is supported by the Google News Initiative, which works with the news industry “to help journalism thrive in the digital age”.

Joanne Butcher, pictured, chief executive of the NCTJ, said: “The launch of the NCTJ’s Journalism Skills Academy marks a significant milestone in the charity’s development and the training we provide to support the UK journalism industry.

“Working with our partners, we aim to increase the range of learning resources available to journalists throughout their careers and to widen access to our training and qualifications.

“Although planned long before the pandemic, remote working and learning have made the vision we have for the JSA to revitalise a culture of ongoing professional development across the journalism industry even more vital.

“I’d like to thank Matt Cooke and everyone at GNI for the wonderful support they have given us to reach this point and to the NCTJ team for their outstanding work on this exciting new project.”

The project, described as a “one-stop shop for journalists at all stages of their careers to develop their knowledge and skills”, has also been backed by John Whittingdale, Minister of State for Media and Data.

Matt Cooke, head of partnerships and training at the Google News Lab, said: “We’re working with the NCTJ to help them launch this new digital hub for journalists working in news organisations across the country, broadening their access to essential training opportunities and new qualifications.

“We’re delighted to support the Journalism Skills Academy as it evolves the NCTJ’s crucial work to empower journalists throughout their careers.”