Journalism students found themselves covering the Queen’s death in the first week of their course.
Students on the NCTJ-accredited News Associates courses in London and Manchester reported on the death of Queen Elizabeth II just days after starting their studies.
Work from students at the two sites included camping out on the streets in Parliament Square and interviewing Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, among other coverage.
They also produced a 16-page special e-edition of News Associates’ Londoner publication, pictured below.
New student Max Kendix said: “It was hardly the start I expected, but we all learned a lot. News Associates made a big effort to get us on the ground reporting to tight deadlines to reflect the newsroom environment we will work in.
“It gave us a real sense of the mechanics of a newsroom when a huge story breaks, and the pressures of putting a print paper together.”
Evie Lake added: “I gained a lot of hands-on experience through interviewing the public and reporting on the Earl of Wessex’s visit to Manchester.
“It accelerated our progress. The first person I vox popped was Andy Burnham which was intimidating, but it highlighted how important being on the ground is and what stories can come from it.”
News Associates editorial development manager Lucy Dyer praised the new trainees.
She said: “Our trainees have learnt more about being a journalist in the last two weeks than any of us could have imagined. I’m so impressed by how they took the momentous task of covering the death of Queen Elizabeth II in their stride.
“Most trainees start courses scared to make a phone call and these cohorts have been interviewing the public and presenting bulletins day and night.
“I have no doubt our team will come together to produce something excellent at times like these, but it’s always amazing to see.”