Thirty young people are to get free journalism training as part of a new scheme from the National Council for the Training of Journalists.

The NCTJ has joined forces with media literacy charity the Student View to launch the New Creator Fellowship, with the aim of “breaking down the barriers that stop under-represented young people from entering the journalism industry”.

There are 30 fully-funded spaces for 16 to 23-year-olds on the six-month programme, which will incorporate delivery of the NCTJ’s level three Certificate in Foundation Journalism qualification.

The Fellowship, which will begin in April, will feature a mixture of virtual and in-person workshops, as well as networking events, mentoring meetings, industry speakers and sessions on pitching, finding sources and creating viral content.

The Student View’s chief executive Bejay Mulenga, pictured, said: “This is a game-changing experience for young people that will kickstart their media career.

“The bespoke programme we’ve created with our network of mentors will give everyone on the Fellowship the tools and support they need to achieve their goals.

“We’re really excited about what the next generation of media creators can achieve.”

Joanne Butcher, chief executive of the NCTJ, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with The Student View, a media literacy charity we hold in high regard, to inspire young people to consider a career in the news media and to help them understand the vital importance of good journalism in our society.

“The NCTJ is committed to working collaboratively to break down the barriers to inclusion and extending our outreach work has become a priority in our efforts to tackle social mobility.

“We all need to innovate and think of new ways we can make a difference and this brilliant fellowship scheme promises to do just that.”