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Praise for new seniors after ‘steep learning curve’ of coronavirus

Andy MartinThe chief examiner of theĀ National Qualification in Journalism has paid tribute to new senior journalists who undertook remote examinations due to the coronavirus crisis while also covering the pandemic in their newsrooms.

Andy Martin has praised those who succeeded in attaining the NQJ in November 2019, March 2020 and July 2020.

In the now annual examiners’ report, he offered particular praise to those involved in the most recent sitting, which was conducted remotely by the National Council for the Training of Journalists due to lockdown restrictions.

Andy, pictured, noted in his report the pandemic had “brought immense challenges” to trainee reporters.

He wrote: “The difficulties of working from home in lockdown and covering this huge and unprecedented story without the close support network of the newsroom, has meant a steep learning curve for many so early in their careers.

“For those taking the NQJ at the same time, there has been an extra dimension to these challenges. So I would like to pay tribute to all those who undertook the NQJ in July and offer my congratulations to all those who achieved the qualification in 2019-20.

“The pass rate is a huge credit to their hard work and dedication. I also offer lots of encouragement to those who just missed out. Your time will come soon.

“Because of the lockdown restrictions, the NQJ exams were successfully delivered remotely in July with candidates able to sit them securely at home.

“As well as being a tribute to the candidates, it is also a huge tribute to the team at the NCTJ who worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to ensure the NQJ could go ahead smoothly, efficiently and with integrity. My heartfelt thanks to them for this fantastic effort.”

The full report can be read here.

You can read all our coronavirus-related stories here.